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CELEBRATION 



OF THE 



(One 2S^u^rc^ ixnh 3[ifttctlt iVnuilicrsaru 

OF THE 

J[irst Srttlcntrut 

OF 

Nelson, Nrlu Hampshire 

i?iir-uiir 



CELEBRATION BY THE TOWN OF 

■ ^clsmi, ^tiv IBanipshirc 

(originally called "mONADNOCK No 6 ■ AND INCORPORATED AS " PACK ERSri ELD" ) 
OF THE 

(One ^jmibrcb imh Jfiftidl| ^uuihcrsary 

oi lis (3[irst ^rltlcuinit 

1767-1917 



UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE 

NELSON PICNIC ASSOCIATION 

AT THEIR THIRTY-NINTH ANNUAL GATHERING 

AUGUST 15. 1917 



SKETCH OF THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE TOWN 
By Major-General Simon Goodell Griffin 

A NATIVE THEREOF 



TO WHICH IS ADDED THE 



panics mxh l\cc^r^5 

of the yinnccr J^rttlcrs of ^Jnrhcreficlb, luho liah part in the 

lllar of the l\rluihition 

ir?5-1783 



program of anniversary exercises 

INCLUDING THE DEDICATION OF A 

memorial tablet 



, A/-? m 



OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES 

of the 

NELSON, N. II., PICNIC ASSOCIATION 

1917 



PRESIDENT Rev. GEom.E L. Cady, D. D. 

VICE-PRESIDENT Kkv. Roderick Stebbixs 

SECRETARY Rev Millard F. Hardy 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

Mr. Arthur Flood 

Mr. Albertis W. Wilder 

Mr. Wayland P. Tolman 



COMMITTEE TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 

CELEBRATION OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND 

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 

FIRST SETTLEMENT OF 

THE TOWN 

176M917 



Hon. and Mrs. T. W. Barker 
Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Bassett 
Mr. Charles A. Be.mis 
Dr. and Mrs. George L. Cady 
Rev. and Mrs. W. O. Coxrad 
Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Dunn 
Dr. and Mrs. Seneca Egbert 
Rev. and Mrs. C. B. Elder 
Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Elliot 
Mr. and Mrs. Oren L. Farwell 
Mrs. Sumner P. Fisher 
Mr. Fred A. Fisher 
Miss Helen B. Fletcher 
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Flood 
Mr. and Urs. Frank P. Gibson 
Mk. and Mrs. Charles L. Griffin 
Mr. and Mrs. Harry R. Green 
Dr. and Mrs. E. N. Hardy 
Rev. and Mrs. M. F. Hardy 
Miss H. Jennie Holt 
Dr. and Mrs. T. M. Lightfoot 



Mr. Henry J\[ELvn.LE, 

Chairman 
Mr. and Mrs. Fred M. Murdough 
Mrs. Delia H. Osgood, 

Secretary 
Miss Edith H. Osgood 
Miss Sarah E. Osgood 
Mr. and Mrs. George S. Page 
Rev. and Mrs. E. W. Phillips 
Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Priest 
Mr. and Mrs. James E. Ruffle 
Ihi. and Mrs. Fred A. Scott 
Rev. and Mrs. Roderick Stebbins 
Mr. and Mrs. John Stevens 
Rev. and Mrs. A. L. Struthers 
Mr. Wellington Stoddard 
Mrs. Hattie Towne 
Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Tolman 
Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer C. Tolman 
Mr. and Mrs. Horace O. Upton 
Mr. and ]\Irs. Albertis W. Wilder 
Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Wilson 



SELECTMEN OF NELSON 

Mr. Thaddeus W. Barker 
Mr. Wilmer C. Tolman 
Mr. Fred. M. Murdough 












^^^^"^^^^^^^^^H 


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k£m 




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^^^^^^. ^I^Vfi'^^K i M^^^^^^^^^^H 



THE MINUTE MAN 

By Daniel Chester French 

forming part of the monument at concord bridge 



''Jil^hat hemes from tl]c foooMmtb sprung, 
(^ BlHuni, tl]rmic\l| the frcsh-altiakeneb lanb, 
Che thrilliiu^ cru nf freeboxu rung 
^iib to the fonrk of luarfare strung 
©lie yeoman's irott ha^^ ! 

Jiills fhtng the cru to Iiills arounb, 

^nb ocean-mart replicb to mart, 
(Anb streams, luhose springs focrc yet unfouub, 
^ealeb far afoay tl|e startling sounb 

^Into the forest's heart. 

(Then marcheb the hralie from rocky steep, 

iFrom monntain-riber sdnft anb colli ; 
Che borbers of the stormy beep, 
d]C bales &jl]erc gathcreb foaters sleep, 
Sent up the strong anb holb, — 

i\s if the liery earth again 

(6relu quirk luith C5ob'5 creating hreath, 
(Anb from the sobs of grolie an^ glen 
l^osc ranks of iion-hearteb men 

(To battle to the beath." 

WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT 



NELSON 

'^Jttl]in tl]e bounbs of CII|csI]tre, 

^nh iai\£rt tl|£ l|ills rait^e itobly, 
tTo form tl|E advent bi6tbe, 

^he stts in ijntel c^raniJcur, 

JV C^ueen Cuttl] Ijoitor nrofmteb, 

pii|Oge eberg Ijill 's a temple, 
^nb liallcy l|allo6icb grounb." 



M. F. HARDY 



SKETCH OF THE EAh'LV IIISTOHY OF THE TOWS OF NELSON,' 
New Hampshire. 



BY S. G, GHIFFIX. 



On the Gth day of December, 1751, tlie Proprietors of the lands purchased 
of Jolui Tufton !^[ason, Esq., wlio claimed to be a descendant of Capt. Jolin 
Mason, the ori<?inal grantee of the lands in the Province of New Hampshire, 
held a meeting at Portsmouth, at which it was "Voted, That Joseph Blanchard, 
Esq., be authorized and empowered, in behalf of said Proprietors, to agree 
with any number of persons tg make settlements on said lands, upon such 
conditions as he should judge proiH?r"; and to make ''such grants of lands for 
Townships as he should deem most convenient for making good settlements, 
for the public good, and for the benefit of the Proprietors". 

Agreeably to the power and authority thus conferred, Joseph Blanchard 
conveyed by grant, "all the Right, Title, Property and Possession" of the 
said Proprietors in that tract or township of laud called Monadnock No. G, — 
excepting twenty shares, three of which were reser\ed for public use, and 
seventeen for the benefit of the original Proprietors, or Grantors — to Jolm 
Hutchinson, Alexander Park, Benjamin French, Eleazar Farwell, Robert 
Fletcher, James Minot, and thirty others, one hundred and twenty shares, each 
share containing two "lots". These shareholders were called Grantees, and 
afterwards Proprietors. 

Of the three shares set apart for public use, one was "reserved for the first 
settled minister, one for the ministry, and one fur public schools, furever". 

The shares were to be drawn by lot on or before the last day of November, 
1754, and the towiiship was laid out eight miles in length, east and west, and 
five miles in width, north and south, containing 25,600 acres of land The 
town lines established at that time, on the north, south and east, were the 
same as they now exist," but the north and south lines extended west to the 
line known as the "Patent line", which was the eastern boundarj- of Keene, 
(then called Upper A.-jhuelot) and which may still be traced as the east line 
of Gilsum and ^larlow, and at other points in the State. That line ran south 
ten degrees west, and included in this town the farms in Sxillivan formerly 

'Originally rectangular Id shape, live miles North and South by eight miles East and 
West, and called ".Monadnock No. 6." February 22. 1774, It was locorporatcd with the nam« 
"Pnckirsflfld." September 27, 17>s7, about onc-clghth of It was taken to form a part of the 
town of Sullivan ; lnnniber 9, 1K12. another portion went to form a part of Roxbury, and 
finally. July '.'. 1K7'>. n third portion to form a part of Harrlsvllle. The name wau changed 
from PackiThHeld to Nelson. October 1. 1814. — Eds. 

'Major-Goneral Simon Goodcll GrlRln was born in Nelson, August 9, 1824. Samuel Grlflln, 
Nehenilah WrtKht and Kev. Jacob Foster, whose services lu the Revolution arc hereafter 
noted. Wire three of hi.^ Krandfat^K•r^ 

This sketch was written by lilni • close of the Civil War. and was printed 

in 1870 and 1871 In two Issues of the ., a little paper published to raise money 

to repair the church. In con>-lderlnK to persons and places It must be txime 

Id mtud that ho refers to a time at>out u:;.. ..< ^o. — Ed*. 

■■In 1835 a small piece. Including the "old Tarbox place", was taken from Stoddard 
and added to Nelson. 



owTied by Selim Frost and Amos "Wardwell, and those in Koxbury now o\nied 
and occupied by David W. Buckminster^ and Gilman Nims/ crossing the 
"Branch" at the edsre of the woods, about half a mile below what is now 
knowTi as Roxbury Bridge. 

This grant was dated the tenth day of ^lay, 1752, and signed by Joseph 
Blanchard, agent for the Grantors. By the conditions of this grant, each 
owner of a double share, or two lots, was to have, within three years from the 
last day of the following November, at least three acres of his parcel cleared 
and fitted for mowing or tillage, and three acres cleared annually for the same 
purpose for three years next following, and was to have, within the same time, 
a dwelling house built, and comfortably finished, and a family dwelling on 
the premises. These conditions were not fulfilled to the letter, but enough was 
done to satisfy the Grantors. 

Another condition was, that a convenient Meeting-house should be erected 
near the centre of said township within ten years, and ten acres of land 
reserved for public use; and another, that all lands should be subject to have 
all necessary roads laid out through them, without any pay or allowance for 
damage thereby. "All white pine trees fit for His Majesty's Royal Navy", 
were granted to the King and his successors, forever." 

The shares thus granted were frequently bought and sold on speculation, 
sometimes at a very low price, so that, a few years afterwards, we find men 
whose names do not appear among the Grantees owning a large number of the 
original shares. Among these was Col. Thomas Packer, of Portsmouth, who 
must have owned, at one time, according to the Deeds given out by him, more 
than one-half the land in town. 

On the Gth of October, 1761, a meeting of the Grantees was held at the 
house of Robert McClandenen, in Londonderry, N. H., at which Thomas 
Packer was chosen Moderator, and Thomas Packer, Jr., Clerk of the Proprietors. 
At this meeting it was voted, among other things, that the township be divided 
into quarters, by lines running through the centre, that the quarters be num- 
bered, and that ten acres be laid out near the centre of the town for the 
purpose of building a Meeting-house, and for other public uses. 

On the 19th of October, 1703, Breed Batcheldcr, then of Brookfield, Mass., 
received a Deed from Jonathan Blanchard, of Dunstable, N. H., of 2,135 
acres of land in the south-west quarter of the town then called Monadnock 
No. 6. The consideration named in the Deed was sixty pounds sterling, and 
the Deed was recorded in N. H. Records, ]\Iay, 17G.5. 

Mr. Batchclder afterwards became the first permanent settler in the town, 
and his homestead was the place now owned and occupied by Gilman Nims,^ 
of Roxbury, which was a part of this tract of land purchased of Blanchard. 

He was born in Beverly, Mass., in 1740. His father, John Batchelder, 
afterwards removed to Brookfield, where he died, leaving considerable prop- 

3Now owned by Mr. Elbridge Kingsbury and occupied by a girl's summer camp. 

*Now owned by heirs of David Nims. 

"Under date of July 9, 1750, Richard Hazzen made for the Masonian Proprietors a plan 
of the tract afterwards called Monadnock No. 6, in which it was divided into rectangular lots 
with parallel and perfectly straight highways, running east and west and north and south, 
so that every lot bordered on at least one of them. It also indicated the character of the 
timber on each lot. Very little white pine was shown, much less than exists at the present 
day. Most of the soft wood was hemlock. The central lot, described as "Meeting House 
Place," was covered with "red oak." See N. H. State Papers, Vol. 28, page 7. — Eds. 

"Now owned by heirs of David Nims. 



erty, and by administrntinn papt-rs it appears that Brood settlod his estate 
about the year 1763. 

In 1758, at the age of eighteen, young Batchelder was in the army under 
General Abercronibie, in the expedition against Ticonderoga, where he kept 
a journal, which is still preserved. 

Possessed of a great deal of onorgj- oi eliaracter and perseverance, and 
having served in the army and had some intercourse with the world, he 
acquired an education superior to that generally obtained by the young men 
of his time. In I7(i2, we find him a surveyor of land, as appears by his minutes, 
which testify to the intelligence and capacity of the young pioneer. 

In 17C4, he appears by deeds to have been a resident of Keene, and by 
tradition of his descendants we learn that he came to Xims's, in Keene, — 
nearest settler to his land — (where Brigham Nims' now lives, in Roxbury) 
and boarded for a time while he was clearing his land and preparing a home 
on his own premises. 

FIIJST SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN — 1700. 

On the 11th day of ^March. 1706, Breed Batchelder married Ruth Davis, 
of Rutland, ^fass., and was published as belonging to Keene at that time. 
The same year, he built a large and heavily-timliered barn on his homestead, 
which is still standing, and was, without doubt, the first framed barn built 
in town. 

A house had previously boon built on the place, on the opposite side of the 
road from that now occupied by Oilman Nims (whore his sugar-house now 
stands) ; and there is a tradition in the neighborhood that another man had 
been on Batchelder's place and built a cabin, and that he suddenly disappeared, 
leaving all his effects, which were taken possession of by Batchelder, except 
one hammer, the iron handle of which is still in the possession of Brigham 
Nims, of Roxbury, with whose ancestors it was left. 

Many of Mr. Batchelder's papers have been preserved, and among them 
is found the indenture by which, on the 27th of June. 1767, "Josiah Billings, of 
Monadnock No. 0" bound out his .son, Ebonezer Billings, as an apprentice to 
"Breed Batchelder, gentleman". 

By the town records, it apiM?ars that Batchelder was afterwards paid for 
labor on the highway in June. 1767, and from the record of births, we find 
that his daughter. Betsy Batchelder, was born in this town on the 24th of 
August, 1767. and was the first child born in town. 

On the 25th of March, in tlie same year, a moisting of the Proprietors of 
!Monadnock No. 6 was held at the house of Zachariah Foss, in Portsmouth — 
Thomas Packer. Ksc].. ^lodorator — and was adjourned from time to time. On 
the 1st of September, it was voted to raise a tax of fifty shillings on each share, 
to defray the oxix'iise of surveying and laying out the lots of land, and for 
building necessar>' highways and bridges. Breed Batchelder was appointed 
collector of this tax. and he and his brother William were chosen a com- 
mittee to lay out highway.s. 

On the 30th of September, same year, a meeting of the Grantors — the 
original purchasers from Mason — was held at Portsmouth and the failure of 

^Now owned bf betn of David NMms. 



the grantees to fulfill the conditions of the grant was discussed; but in "Con- 
sideration that they had already done much towards a settlement of the said 
township", it was voted that their rights be still preserved to them, and that 
the time of their limitation be extended. 

The Gazetteers state that the town was first settled in 1767; but, from the 
facts and circumstances above stated, it is altogether probable that Batchelder 
settled in 17G6, and others came about the same time. Those who appear 
to have been here in 1767, were Josiah Billings, who lived near Batchelder, 
Joseph Stanhope (a half-breed Indian), and Abraham Griffiths, who lived in 
the northeast quarter, Dr. Nathaniel Breed, who settled where Horatio and 
John Osgood now live,* Abijah Brown, who lived where the old orchard is, 
above the lead mine, east of Mr. Osgood's, and James Bancroft, who settled 
in the south part of the town, on the hill north of the late homestead of Joel 
Bancroft. 

Dr. Breed was probably the first permanent settler within the present limits 
of the town. He was a regularly educated physician, — had practised medicine 
in Easthara, on Capt Cod, and afterwards at Sudbury, Mass., from which place 
he came to this town. He brought his family here in 1768, and soon after 
removed to the south part of the town, to the place now owned and occupied 
by "Wellington Seaver. He built a mill directly east of the house — one of the 
first in town — and from him "Breed PoncJ" derived its name. 

SURVEY OF THE TOWN — 176S. 

In the months of September and October, 17GS, Breed Batchelder, assisted 
by his brother William, Dr. Nathaniel Breed, and others, surveyed the town, 
and presented a plan, on parchment, to the "Proprietors", by whose agent he 
had been employed, and a copy to the Grantors. He retained a copy himself, 
also on parchment, which is still in the possession of his descendants. On 
the plan is a statement of the survey, sworn to before a Justice of the Peace, 
dated December 7th, 1768. 

The town was laid out in lots of 10-t acres each, 160 rods long, north and 
south, and 104 rods wide, east and west. Lines were first drawn throuj^h the 
centre, dividing the township into quarters, and each quarter was allotted by 
itself, the ranges running east and west, and numbered from left to right, 
and the numbers of the lots in the ranges running north and south. The 
lots were not fixed at such a size as to divide the whole number of acres in the 
town without remainder. Consequently there were strips of land left in each 
quarter, after laying out the regular lots, and the lines of lots did not corre- 
spond with those in the adjoining quarters. 

A MAN LOST. 

While Batchelder and his party were surveying the town, one of the men, 
named Samuel Maguire, a native of Ireland, became separated from the others, 
and was lost. They were in the east part of the town, on or near the "Island", 
one Saturday afternoon, and being about to quit work, Maguire took a tin 
kettle, or pail, to go to a spring for water, at the same time taking his gun, 
saving he would see if he could get a duck for supper, — the spring being near 

■■Kow owned by Mr. Charles H. Osgood. 



the pond. They heard liim tire his jjun, and waited some time for liim to 
return. Night was coming on. and they were several miles from their homes — 
some of them living in Keene — with no roads through the wilderness, not even 
marked trees, much of the way. They commenced to search, but were com- 
pelled to give it up and seek their homes before it should be too dark. The 
next day they raised a large i)arty in Keene and renewed the search. Fires 
were built on the hills, horns sounded, guns fired, and everything done that 
could be to rescue him, but he was never heard of afterward. Many years 
afterwards, when the farm lately owned by ^Mr. Comstoek, in Sullivan, came 
to be settled, there were found, near a large rock, where there had evidently 
been a fire, a gun barrel, from which the stock had rotted, a pair of saddle- 
bags, a compass-box and a horn of powder. Buttons, also, such as were worn 
on coats and breeches in those days, were scattered about, but no bones were 
found, and whether Maguire or any one else had perished there was never 
known. 

On the 2d of September, same year, !Mr. Batchelder received a Deed from 
Thomas Packer, senior, of the whole of the northeast quarter of the township, 
except one lot of 104 acres. From this large tract of more than 6,000 acres 
he sold farms to settlers, from time to time (some were already in possession, 
but had not taken deeds) until, at the time he left the country, in 1777, it 
was reduced to 3,510 acres in that quarter. At about the same time, he 
bought the original shares of James Miller, one of the grantees, comprising 
four lots. — 41C acres — covering the farms now owned by Prentiss Stoddard," 
N. W. Hardy,"' and the one lately owned by Joseph Beal, as they were 
originally allotted. He also o\med, about this time, the original lot now 
included in the homestead of Josiah Melville, and commenced at one time to 
clear the land on that place. 

On the 16th of Januarj', 1709. a meeting of the Proprietors was held at the 
house of Zachariah Foss, in Portsmouth. Thomas Packer, Moderator, at which 
it was "Voted to accept the plan of the to\mship presented by Mr. Breed, 
Batchelder, and that the same be filed with the Grantee's Clerk". 

During that year Mr. Batchelder surveyed the town of Stoddard, — 
Monadnock No. 7 — the minutes of which are still preserved among his papers. 

From the record of births in the town books, it api)ears that Abigail Breed, 
daughter of Dr. Nathaniel Breed, was born on the 16th of June of that year, 
and was the first person baptized in to\ni. The ceremony was performed in 
October following by Rev. Stephen Farrar, of New Ipswich. 

On the 8th of June, 1770, Thomas Packer Batchelder, son of Breed 
Batchelder, was born, and was presented with a lot of land by Thomas Packer 
for being the first nuile child born in town, and also with another lot for 
receiving the name of the donor. 

As early as 1771 several families had taken up their residence within the 
township, in addition to these already mentioned. Samuel Cook, Beriah Wet- 
more, Thomas TTpham, and John Stroud had .nettled in the eastern and north- 
eastern part, John Farwell where Darius Farwell" now lives, Kichard Far- 
well on the James Derby place.'- and John Frink, John LeBourveau and Jolm 

•Now occupied by Mr. Wellington Stoddard. 
»*Now occupied by Dr. E. N. Hardy. 
"Now owned by Mr. Arthur E. Chlldji. 
"Now occupied by Mr. Ortn L. Farwell. 



Proutee, and probably several others, were somewhere in town, but the particu- 
lar location of each is not known. 

FIRST TOWN MEETING. 

On the 5th of February, 1772, a meeting of the Proprietors of Monadnock 
Xo. 6 was held at the house of "Ensign Breed Batchelder, Innholder in said^ 
town", and was the first town meeting held in town. The meeting had been 
legally called by Thomas Frink, Esq., of Keene, a Justice of the Peace, upon 
a petition signed by Breed Batchelder, John Frink and Xathaniel Breed, and 
the warrant was published three weeks in the N. H. Gazette, in January, 1772. 

Thomas Frink was chosen Moderator. A vote was passed dismissing the 
Proprietors' Clerk — Thomas Packer, Jr., — and Breed Batchelder was chosen 
in his place. 

Breed Batchelder's account for surveying the town and making the plans, 
amounting to thirty-two pounds nine shillings, was accepted and allowed. 

Breed Batchelder, Abijah Brown and Thomas Upham were chosen a com- 
mittee to settle the town lines with all the towns adjoining. 

A tax of six shillings on each settling share was raised for defraying Pro- 
prietors' charges, and twelve shillings for the use of highways. Abijah Brown 
was chosen collector. 

It was also voted to clear four acres of the ten acres reserved for public 
use, and build a "Duty Meeting-house". 

On the 21st of April another meeting was held at the same place, at which 
John LeBourveau was chosen Moderator, and Nathaniel Breed, Breed 
Batchelder and John LeBourveau, Assessors. 

Breed Batchelder was chosen Highway Surveyor for the west half of the 
tOA\-n, Beriah AVetmore for the southeast quarter, and Jolm Proutee for the 
northeast quarter. 

BUILDING OF THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE, 1772. 

At this meeting it was voted to build a meeting house thirty feet long by 
twenty-five feet wide — the posts to be eight and a half feet high — and twenty- 
five pounds sterling was voted for that purpose. 

Breed Batchelder, Nath'l Breed and John Proutee were chosen a com- 
mittee to build the house, "or let it out by the great", as they might think 
jiropcr. Ten pounds sterling was raised for clearing the four acres on the 
public lot. 

During the summer of that year the four acres on the public lot were 
cleared, and in the autumn the meeting house was raised, but was not finished 
till the next year. 

It stood on, or very near, the spot afterwards occupied by the large meet- 
ing-house, facing the east. Its dimensions were as above described, and it 
had nine windows, two in front, one each side of the entrance, two in each 
end, one in the rear, over the pulpit, which was opposite the entrance, and 
one in each gable. A beam ran through the centre, over the door and pulpit, 
which served the double purpose of holding the plates of the building from 
spreading, and dividing the male from the female worshippers. The house 
was completed in June, 1773, and there the Rev. Mr. Treadway — the first 
minister — dispensed the gospel with puritanical rigor, and there the people 

10 



caino from far jiiid near tf> listen, brint'iinj: their Sunday dinners with them. 
Kiehard Farwell used to bring a pot of baked beans, slung on a pole, and 
invito everybody to join him in his feast.*^ 

That was their only place of worship for many years, until a larger house 
was needed and finally built.'* Then the old one was moved south some forty 
or fifty rods to the hollow near the branch of the roads, where it was fitted 
up and used as a store, a rum-shop and a tavern, and was afterward changed 
into a dwelling-house, in which the Rev. Gad Newell and others resided. 
Still later its timbers were used in the construction of the cabinet maker's 
shop — all of them except the sills — which was built at the branch of the 
roads, at the south end of the old "Common." Finally the shop was removed 
to the "Village" some thirty years ago, and a few years later was remodelled 
into the dwell ing-hou.^e lately occupied by Asa Taft, now by Mr. Waldron," 
vhere the original timbers of the first old meeting-house still e.xist, as sound, 
probably, as when they were first raised in 1772. 

At an adjourned meeting of the Proprietors held on the 21st of Sep- 
tember, 1772, it was voted, among other things, to allow the account of 
Breed Batchelder, for labor on the highways in said township from June, 
17G7, to January, 1772. The accounts also of James Bancroft and Samuel 
Cook were allowed for labor on the highway in 1771. It was also voted 
that the Grantees, or those holding under them, might work out their high- 
way tax, and that three shillings per day be allowed each man from May 1st 
to October 1st and two shillings six-pence for the rest of the year. Two 
shillings were allowed for a pair of oxen, one shilling six-iience for a plow, 
and one shilling for a cart. 

FIRST MARRIAGE IN TOWN. 

On the 28th of October, 1772, Abijah Brown and Deliverance Breed, 
eldest daughter of Dr. Nathaniel Breed, were married by Rev. Joseph Farrar, 
of Dublin, and were the first couple married in town. Mr. Brown was a 
prominent man among the early settlers, was often employed in town busi- 
ness, and was, afterward, Lieutenant of Militia, and commander of tho 
company of twenty-seven men who marched from this town on the second 
morning after the battle of Lexington, to fight the British at Bunker Hill. 
The bride was seventeen years of age. 

On the 29th of March, 1773. a meeting of the Proprietors was held at 
the hoxise of Dr. Nath'l Breed, Dr. Breed Moderator, at which it was 
voted to raise nine shillings, lawful money, on each settling share, to defray 
the exiHJuse of getting the town ineori)oratcd, and for Proprietors' charges, 
and half a farthing per acre for the i)uriK)se of hiring some person to preach 
the Gosiwl. Breed Batchelder and Nath'l Breed were chosen a committee 
to hire such person, and they hired, temporarily, the Rev. Mr. Tread- 

"It probably wa« not used much in the wintor time. At a town mecllnK held December 4. 
1780, It wan voted that the preaching each month be dlotrlbuted an follow* : one Sabbath at 
the bouse of Lieutenant Adams, one Sabbath at Samuel Grlflln n, and two Sabbaths at Dr. 
BreedH. 

"The "New" me^rtlng houne wan begun In 1786 and flnlnhed four or Ave yearn later. It 
wa« occupied until the present ntructuro wan built at the foot of the hill In 1841. In 1846. 
it waa nhorn of Itn porcben, the frame made one-tbird nmaller, and reconitructed Into the 
piMent Town H.ill. The porches were formed Into the houNc lant occupied by Mm. Uryant. 
DOW owned by Mm. Stillman. 

"Now by Mr. L. H. Bawett. 

11 



way, who commenced his labors that year — probably in June — but no church 
was organized until several years later. It was also voted to petition the 
Governor and Council to have the town incorporated, and Breed Batchelder 
was chosen agent to procure said act of incorporation. 

On the 1st day of July following, a meeting of the Proprietors was held 
at the meeting-house for the first time, Beriah "Wctmore moderator, and on 
the 18th of October another meeting was held at the same place, John Le- 
Bourveau moderator at which it was voted to "settle a Gospel minister," 
and to renew the petition to the Governor and Council for an act of incor- 
poration. Breed Batchelder was re-appointed agent to defend the same, a 
remonstrance having been sent in by some who were opposed to the measure. 
In the warrant for this meeting is an article "To see if the Proprietors will 
vote to give the Rev. Mr. Treadway, now preaching with them, a call to 
settle in the work of the ministry." 

INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN — 1774. 

On the 22d of February, 1774, John Wentworth, Governor of the Province 
of New Hampshire, in the name of "George the Third, by the grace of God 
of Great Britain, France and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith" &c., 
signed the Act of Incorporation, giving the town the name of Packersfield, 
in honor of Col. Thomas Packer, who, at one time, owned the greater part 
of the township. The whole of the northwest quarter was owned by him 
at this time, and it was called "Packer's quarter" until within a few years. 

He promised to give the town five hundred acres of land if they would 
name it Packersfield but after securing the name he refused to give the 
deed. The inhabitants were indignant and immediately commenced an agi- 
tation to change the name, in which they were successful many years after- 
ward.^^ 

The first meeting under the charter was held at the meeting-house on 
the 31st day of March, 1774, and the corporation was duly organized by 
the election of a fxill complement of town officers. Breed Batchelder was 
chosen moderator, John LeBourveau town clerk, and Joseph Stanhope, John 
LeBourveau and Eleazar Twitchell selectmen and assessors. 

Several families had now come into town in addition to those already 
named. 

In 1772 William Follett had come from Hubbardston, Mass., and settled 
on the place lately owned by Daniel M. Burpee, now by Edwin Hunt,^^ and 
Samuel Wilson and Jonathan Nichols had built their cabins in the north- 
east quarter, Bruce was on "Prospect Hill," afterwards called "City Hill," 
Eleazar Twitchell had settled on the place since known as the "Capt. Scrip- 
ture place,"^^ John Adams on the "Seaver place," Aaron Beal, afterwards 
called "Lef tenant Beal," on the one lately owned by James Chase, and his 
brother William, had a grist mill at the outlet of "Pleasant Pond," since 
called Breed Pond. Philip Bailash was living on the knoll north of "Duck 

"In 1777 an attempt was made to change the name to Sullivan in honor of the New 
Hampshire General of that name. See N. H. State Papers, Vol. 12, page 637. The present 
town of Sullivan, which includes part of Packersfield, was incorporated in 1787. Probably 
the land set off from the latter place contained no inhabitants. 

At a town meeting held March 13, 1783, it was "voted : to have the town of Packersfield 
be called Groton. By 35 votes ; none in the negative." — Eds. 

I'Now by Mr. Temple Scott. 

>*Now known as the Clymer Place. 

12 



Pond" — now callfd .Mud I'ond — between the roads, where a few apple trees 
still stand, John Scarlet Newhall on the hill southeast of Darius Farwell's, 
John Spinney on John Yeardle.v's place, Phineas Stanford a little to the east 
of hiui, Joseph Stanford where Chauncey Barker lives, Samuel Everett where 
the little orchard is, under the hill east of the "Poland place," Amos Skinner 
near him, James Grover on the ''Bryant place" — in the old orchard west of 
where Allen Tolman^" now lives — and Sylvanus Morse southwest of him. 
James French, Moses Adams, Johnson Proutee, Eliliu lligbee and Kphraim 
Pierce were all residents of the town. 

In 1773, James Phillips was living in the west part, Joseph Mason in the 
south, and Joseph Eayrs somewhere within the limits of the town. 

ANECDOTES OF E.UILY SETTLERS. 

There are many interesting facts and incidents relating to the trials and 
privations of the early settlers, some of which it may be worth while to record. 
The whole country was covered with a dense forest, there were no roads or 
paths through the wilderness except to go by marked trees, and in some cases 
the nearest neighbor was miles awaj'. 

Very few settlements had been made in the adjoining towns, and in some 
of them none at all. Their supply of food, even, was precarious, for there 
were no grist-mills at hand, and some of the earlier settlers had to go as far 
as Peterboro' and Wilton, and sometimes even to Northfield or Concord. 
Mass., to mill, or to buy grain to eat. They often lived almost wholly upon 
boiled rye, and if their crops of corn or grain failed, they were reduced at 
times to hunting and fishing, but even in that case, although game was 
tolerably plenty, it was ofteu difficult to keep up the necessary supply of 
powder and lead. 

It is true they never were annoyed by Indians, the French and Indian 
war having drawn off the savages from this section of country. Indeed, it is 
probable that this rough and hilly country never was iidiabited by them to 
any great extent, but was left for a hunting ground by those whose wigwams 
were along the banks of the great rivers. 

An Indian grave or two on the farm lately owned by Samuel and Orlando 
Osgood,-" and two or three on the east side of "llurd Hill." north of Amos 
Sheldon's, with traces of a few wigwams, and an arrow-head, formed of a 
kind of tlint rock, different from anything found in this region, discovered 
by Joel Bancroft near the outlet of the "great meadows," are all the relics 
of Indians, so far as we know, that have been found in town. 

Moose and deer were plenty, and the dams and huts of beaver were found 
along many of the streams. 

Bears, wolves, and wild-cats, made it dangerous for the animals of the 
settlers, if not for themselves, and the wolves often kept up such a howling 
as to make the night hidwus, and prevent all slifp in their vicinity. Bears 
would often come to the dwellings of the settlers and att^ick and kill their 
hogs, and John Farwell had a cow killed in the woods by bears or wolves. 
John White killinl thirteen bears here in town, although he came as late as 

"Now owned br Mr. War>«D<l P- Tolman. 
•^ow owned by Rev. W. O. Conrad. 

13 



1781, and wolves made fearful havoc among the sheep many years after the 
town was first settled. 

It was a common practice among the early settlers to save the ashes made 
while clearing their land, and make "salts," which they exchanged at the stores 
for such articles as they needed. In fact, they had very little money — 
frequently none at all — and it was often the case that "salts" was the only 
article they possessed with which they could buy goods at the stores. They 
sometimes felled trees and burned them for the purpose of making salts. 

At one time many years after the town was first settled, John White and 
one of his neighbors were clearing on the mountain east of Rye Pond, and 
while boiling salts one evening after their day's work, they heard a cry on 
the other side of the pond, like the voice of a woman. They answered, and 
the voice replied. Believing it to be some one lost in the woods, they started 
to render assistance, taking their boat, with a torch, and crossing the pond. 
As they approached the opposite shore the cry seemed to come from the water, 
and presently a savage animal like a catamount or panther, made at them 
furiously and raised one paw on the edge of the boat, nearly upsetting it. 
White said his hair rose on end, but quick as thought he seized the axe which 
lay in the boat, and lopped oif the paw, and it fell into the boat. The animal 
gave a frightful scream and made off as fast as he could go, while they hurried 
back to their camp-fires as thoroughly scared as brave men ever allow them- 
selves to be. 

The pioneers in these settlements were almost universally men of powerful 
frames, strong constitutions and wonderful endurance. Many a one of them 
would chop down his acre of heavj^ timber in a day, and drink a quart of rum 
and chew a "hand" of tobacco while doing it. 

Their only means of conveyance at first was on the backs of horses, or on 
their own backs, and they frequently adopted the latter mode of carrying 
their grain to mill, sometimes going as far as Peterboro' and even Wilton, 
with a bushel or more of grain to be ground. 

Mrs. Batchelder used to go to Rutland, Mass., fifty miles, on horseback to 
mill. 

Nathaniel Barrett's father went to Peterboro' and worked two days for 
two bushels of rye, got it ground and carried it home on his back, some 
fifteen miles. 

At another time, Mr. Barrett went to Peterboro' and worked to pay for a 
quarter of beef, which he took on his back to carry home. The wolves, smell- 
ing the meat, followed him and threatened a furious attack. To gain time, 
he threw them piece after piece of the meat, but their number constantly 
increased, and to save himself he was compelled to throw them the last morsel 
of his meat. 

Even as late as the time when the Rev. Jacob Foster was the minister here 
— he was settled in 1781 — he used to send his son David, a mere lad, three 
miles to mill, with a peck of rye at a time on his back. One day, after he 
had been many times, the miller said to him as he approached, "Well, David, 
don't you get tired of coming to mill with peck after peck in this way ?" "Yes," 
says David, "but through favor it's the last peck." 

Abijah Brown, who has already been mentioned as a prominent man 
among the pioneers, was also a powerful man, physically. At one time, in 

14 



the early spring, when the snow wns deep and would freeze so as to form a 
fine crust in the morning, Mr. Brown took a load of salts that he had 
made during the winter, on a handsled and starting early, drew 
them down to Keene very easily. With the proceeds of his salts 
he purchased two large iron kettles weighing eighty pounds each, sixty 
pounds of salt pork and several other articles, and with them all loaded 
on his hand sled he started for home. But the sun had shone hot during the 
middle of the day, and the crust was gone. The snow was deep and soft, his 
load heavy, and his progress slow. He persevered, however, for a while, until 
finally becoming disgusted, he pitched one of the kettles into the snow at the 
foot of a marked tree, and left the sled with it. Then taking the other kettle 
on his head, the sixty pounds of pork under his arm, and the other articles in 
his hajids, he trudged on, reaching home late in the night. 

Mr. Brown, when making maple sugar, used to gather sap in five-pail iron 
kettles, and the kettles made in those days were none of the lightest. 

The Farwells and Jonathan Nichols came from ilarblehead, and in addi- 
tion to making salts as the other settlers did, they made oars and handspikes, 
and carried them to Marblehead during the winter with ox teams. They 
used to go to Walpole for grain on horseback, also to Northfield, Mass., and 
frequently, after returning with what a horse could bring, they would have 
to divide with their neighbors. 

When Dr. Breed came to town from Sudbury, Mass., the nearest mill in 
that direction was at "Old Concord," and when he settled on the Osgood 
place, his nearest neighbor was Batchelder, in the west part of the town, five 
miles away, with no path except to go by marked trees. 

James Bancroft came from Tyngsboro, Mass., and at first his nearest 
neighbor was Twitchell of Dublin, three miles away by marked trees. He 
bought his land of Benjamin French, and paid for the whole of it — four 
hundred and sixteen acres — with one pair of steers. 

All the .settlers of those days who had families, came into town bringing 
all their "trai>s" and their wives and cliildren on hor.seback, as there was no 
other means of conveyance. 

The women used to go in the same way to Temple, Mason, Wilton and 
other distant places to do their "shopping," and to mill, to save their hus- 
bands' time, often taking a young child with them. 

Aaron Beal used to work out during the day and clear his own land even- 
ings, and his wife used to assist him. He pastured his cows on land that is 
now Pottersville* in Dublin, that being the nearest place where grass grew, 
and his wife drove them forth and back through the woods, leaving her little 
children at home alone. She was a brave woman except as rcgard«'d thunder 
and lightning. In tliat case she was very timid. One night when it was 
time for her to go for the cows, the heavens were growing black with an 
aiMiroaching storm. She didn't dare wait till the shower was over or leave 
the children alone through it, .so she took them with her and started. When 
about half way to the neighbor's who lived by the pasture, a most furious 
storm overtook them, and the thunder and lightning was more terrific than 
anything Mrs. Beal had ever exiH'rienced. They were thoroughly drenched, 

••Now Cbenbam. 

15 



but otherwise uuliarmed, and it cured Mrs. B. of her timidity on such 
occasions. 

Ichabod Perry, "Ensign" of the military company that afterward marched 
to Bennington and fought under Stark, lived at the south part of the town, 
near the Beals'. \Mien the war broke out he went into the army, leaving his 
wife and seven children at home. In the summer of 1777, the children were 
taken sick with the dysentery, and while they were sick, Mrs. Perry heard of 
the death of her husband, who was killed at Brattleboro', Vt., in a skirmish 
with Tories and Indians, while on the march to Bennington. Six of the 
children died, and soon after, the same year, her house was biirned to the 
ground.^^ 

Peter Chandler lived in the east part of the town, at the end of the road 
above the "Spoonwood" pond. One evening in June, when Mr. C. was away 
from home at work, his wife, being alone with her two little children, got the 
baby to sleep and laid it in the bed, and undressed the older one, a boy two 
years and two months old, and put him in the trundle bed, .and went after 
her cow. When she returned, the little boy, Moses, was gone. It was thick 
woods all around, and she searched and called, but could find nothing of him. 
She then ran to the neighbors and raised help. All turned out and searched, 
but in vain. The next morning they started again at daylight, and soon 
discovered the cat coming up from the pond. Following in the direction 
whence she came, they found the little fellow in a clearing near the pond, 
with nothing on but his little shirt, up on a pile of logs in such a situation 
that if he had made a misstep he would have tumbled into the pond. When 
asked by his mother if he "was not afraid, out there all alone?" "I wasn't 
alone," he says, "pussy was with me." The cat, no doubt, had been his 
companion through the night. 

Warrants for town meetings were still issued by the constable in the name 
of "His Majesty the King," and on the 16th of August, 1774, at such a meet- 
ing, the town voted to settle Eev. James Treadway permanently in the 
ministry, and fixed his salary at thirty pounds sterling for the first year, with 
an increase of five pounds each year until it should amount to sixty pounds — 
provided he supplied the desk all the time. 

William Beal, Abijah Brown and Joseph Stanhope were chosen a com- 
mittee to carry the vote of the town to Mr. Treadway, and conclude arrange- 
ments with him. At the next meeting, held on the 3d of September following, 
it was "voted that Mr. Treadway shall liave a good right to leave us destitute 
of gospel preaching for the space of four sabbaths each year, his salary to be 
continued."-- 

HIGHWAYS, &C. 

Probably the first highway in town laid out and built by authority, was 
the one leading from Keene to the centre of the town, passing Batehelder's 
house, as Batchelder was one of a committee in 1767 to lay out highways, 

-'Two men are confused, "Ichabod" Perry, at the age of 15, enlisted from Packersfield 
In the Continental Army, March 3, 1777. The name of "Ensign" Perry was "Ebenezer." He 
was the father of Ichabod, First-Lieutenant of Captain Salmon Stone's Company of militia, 
and was killed at Bennington, August 16, 1777. 

"Apparently Mr. Treadway did not remain long, and it is doubtful if there was regular 
preaching until the coming of Rev. Jacob Foster in 17S1. Rev. Solomon Reed supplied 
for a time ; and there were others. — Eds. 

16 



and was paid for work on the Highway in that year and those following. 
But tlie first of which we have any record is the one described as leading 
•'From Dublin line near Mr. Wood's mill to the meeting-liouse," and is iden- 
tical with the old road from the outlet of Breed jiond, running by the Derby, 
Chase and Seaver places to Nelson Centre, excepting that opposite N. W. 
Hardy's it turned up the hill, and ran directly over the top of the hill north- 
west of his house, passing down on the other side probably to the west of the 
I>uildings on the "Newell plaee."^^^ It was laid out in July, 1773, by Nath'l 
Breed, and Aaron Beal, Proprietors' Committee. The same committee also 
laid out, during the same month, another road, — ''Bounded as follows, viz. 
"and begins at a small Beach and stones. East of the Meeting-House at the 
"East side Line of the Public Land, and then runs southeasterly to a Hemlock 
"Tree marked — and stands Near the Brook running out of the Centre Line 
"Aleadow to mooso meadow — then Crossing said Brook to a small Hemlock, 
"then to a Large Ditto by a Ilocky hole — then to a spruce, then a Beach, to 
"Beach on the Top of a Pitch — then Birch, then to a Beach at the North 
"side of the Crotch of the Roads with stones Round it, then Going southerly 
"in Bancrofts Road to a Large Birch in a hollow, then to a small Beach south 
"of Skinner's Camp then to a Large Red oak tree, then to a Large maple 
"then to a small Beach then to Ditto. * * * then to a Large Red oak 
"southerly of Bancrofts old Barn Near the Brook — the marks are all on the 
"North and westerly side of the Road, and said Road is Laid Three Rods 
"wide." 

This road will readily be recognized as the one leading from where the old 
meeting-house stood, by the place where Joseph Beal lately lived,-* to the 
Bancroft place, the greater part of which is still in use. 

The continuation of this road, south, was laid out the next September by 
the same committee, and was described as "Beginning at a Large hemlock 
"at the Brook Running into the Northwesterly side of Braekshin pond so called, 
"and then runs Northerly to a spruce, then to a Large Black Birch, then to a 
"small Beach" A:c. * * * to a Large Red oak Tree southerly of James 
"Bancrofts old Barn Near the Brook, it being the Last mentioned Bound 
"of the Road Laid out from tlie Meeting House," &c. 

"Braekshin pond" is the one since called Twitchell's — now Harrisville pond. 
The brook running into it, in the above description, is the small one south 
of Amos Robbins's, and the road was nearly the same as that now in use 
leading by Amos Robbins's and Chauncey Barker's to the Bancroft place. 

Descriptions of others of those old roads nsight be interesting to many, 
but the above is sufficient to illustrate the manner of laying out roads in 
those early times. As for the building of the roads, very little was done to 
them except to mark the trees, remove those that had fallen across the path, 
and cut away the brush and lower branches, and it was with difficulty that 
they could be travelled even on horseback. 

It was many years after the town was first settled that wheeled vehicles 
of any kind were introduced, except ox-carts. A woman desiring to spend 
an afternoon with a distant neighbor, would mount on horseback, take a 
child in her arms, and sometimes lash a foot-wheel to the saddle (often a 

"Now oocupiMl by Mn. Reb*oc* SInimoni. 
**On the top of the bill above Mr. Joba Cowen't. 

17 



man's saddle at that) in order to improve the time profitably while enjoying 
a social chat; for they spun and wove the cloth for all their garments and 
bed-clothing, and no time must be lost. 

Husband and wife would both mount the same horse — sometimes taking 
each a child — and in that manner journey for business or pleasure. 

A lad attending a "junket" would take his lass behind him on the same 
nag, but she must herself provide the "pillion" on which she rode. 

The houses of those days were mere loghuts,^'' with stone chimneys — in 
some cases with no chimney at all, but a hole in the roof instead — usually 
with but one room, no chamber or cellar, and sometimes with no floor except 
the hard-trodden earth. 

The roofs were generally made of troughs dug out from large poles and 
laid side by side lengthwise — up and down — on the roof, then turning others 
of the same kind the other side up over the joints, the edges fitting into those 
first laid. If well made, such a roof was impervious to water. 

Window-glass was at first unknown, but a hole or two cut in the logs, 
with wooden shutters, answered the purpose of windows. 

Barrels of pork and rmn were brought into town in those days on a sort of 
truck without wheels, made by fastening the buttends of two poles together 
at the proper distance, and dragging them on the ground, while the top-ends 
were fastened on either side of the horse-collar. A barrel or two lashed on 
lengthwise just behind the horse would ride with safety. 

BREAKING OUT OF THE WAR, 1775. 

In 1774 the people everywhere began to be excited in relation to the 
treatment of the Colonies by the Mother Country. A few were loyal to the 
King — generally those who had large property at stake, — but the great mass 
of the people were inspired with a love of their own country and were deter- 
mined to stand by it at all hazards. These styled themselves whigs, while 
the others were called tories. 

It was believed by the whigs that war was inevitable, and they began, 
though without much concert of action, to lay their plans and make prepara- 
tion for the coming strife. 

On the 19th of December in that year, Joseph Stanhoi)e, Eleazer Twitchcll, 
and John LeBourveau, selectmen of Packersfield, directed the Constable to 
call a town meeting, one of the articles in the warrant for which was "To 
see if the town Avill grant money to purchase a stock of ammunition for said 
town." 

The meeting was held at the meeting-house on the 5th of January, 1775, 
and although, after some discussion, they voted to pass over the article, it 
was done from motives of policy rather than from any want of patriotism 
on the part of the voters. On the 20th of the same month another meeting 
was held at which John LeBourveau, Major Breed Batchelder and Lieut. 
Abijah Brown were chosen a committee to correspond with Capt. Isaac 
Wyman in relation to these preparations, and other important matters 
relating to the times. 

Capt. Isaac Wyman was chairman of the Committee of Safety for Keene, 
a member of the General Assembly of the Province, and a few weeks later, 

2='Pole" houses were what they called them. Later they built "board" houses. 

18 



the coniiiiander of the coniiiaiiv that iiian-hed out of Kcene when the news 
came of the fight at Lexington and Concord. 

On the 12th of April anotlicr meeting was held — Amos Skinner moderator 
— and Dr. Nath'l Breed, Eleazer Twitehell and Joseph Stanhope were chosen 
a committee to e()rrospond with similar con)mittees in other towns "On any 
occasion that may offer, and they think proper," and Amos Skinner, Lieut. 
Abijah Brown and Dr. Xath'l Breed were chosen a "Committee of Safety, 
and to put the Resolves of the American Congress in force, and advertise 
those that refuse or neglect to comply." 

At the time Breed Batchelder was a Major in the militia of the province, 
and PJleazer Twitehell was Captain and Abijah Brown Lieutenant of the 
military company which had been formed here in town. 

The whole number of inhabitants in the town was 173. of whom b'A were 
females, 50 boys under sixteen years of age, 4 above the age of 50, and 34 
between the ages of sixteen and fifty. The whole number of firearms fit for 
use was 23. 

On the 19th of April the British marched out of Boston and attacked the 
patriots at Lexington and Concord. War had begun. The first blood had 
been shed. Horsemen galloped in every direction, and the alarm spread from 
neighbor to neighbor. Before noon the next day the news had reached 
Packersfield, and at sunrise the next morning twenty-seven men assembled 
under Lieut. Abijah Brown, and hurried to the scene of action. 

Major Batchelder, instead of joining the troops here, went down to Keene, 
as he said, "To see if the report of a battle was correct." When he returned 
and found the company had gone he followed on, and overtook them on the 
road. But his townsmen had been suspicious of him before, and their siis- 
picions were increased by his lack of promptness in joining, and marching 
with them. The company marched to Cambridge, where it encamped, and 
lay for several weeks, and Batchelder was in command, but the coolness 
between him and his men continued, and some of them would not speak to 
him. Not having a sujtply of arms, by the advice of the generals in command, 
several of the men returned home to plant their corn, before the battle of 
Bunker Hill was fought. Batchelder was very much soured and chagrined 
by the treatment he received while there, and he also came home. 

On the 9th of May a town meeting was held at the meeting-house at 
which Dr. Nath'l Breed and Eleazer Twitehell were chosen delegates to repre- 
sent the town in the Provincial Congress, which then held its sessions at 
Exeter. 

At anotlier meeting, on the 25th of September, Eleazer Twitehell, B«"ujaraLn 
Nurse, John J'rench, Amos Skinner and Abijah Brown were chosen a 
"Committee of Inspection," which api)ears to have been the same as a Com- 
mittee of Safety. 

In December of that year the town united with Stoddard, then called 
Limerick, in sending a delegate to the Provincial Congress at Exeter, and 
sent as apiMjars by the record, a Capt. Robert Pollock from that town. 

The next year Packerseld united with Stoddard, Camden (now Washington) 
and Gilsum, and sent Joseph Rounseval of Camden as their dcleeratc. In 
October of that year the Provincial Congress held a special convention in 

19 



which it "Eesolved itself into the House of Representatives of the state of 
New Hampshire." 

Mr. Rounseval also represented the same towns the following year. He 
was one of the prominent men of the state, and his handwriting which 
appears often among the state records of that time was one of extreme 
neatness and elegance. 

On the 16th of November, 1775, the Provincial Congress at Exeter had 
"Voted that the Committee of Safety in each town be requested to transmit 
to the Committee of Safety for this Colony the names and places of abode 
of all such persons as they suspect to be any ways inimical to this country, 
with the causes and evidences of such suspicions." 

The "Association Test" — 1776 

In the month of April, 1776, the following documents were sent by the 
Committee of Safety for New Hampshire to the selectmen of the variou? 
towns, and the "Return" from Packersfield is given below. 

"To the Selectmen of Packersfield. 

Colony of New Hampshire. 
In Committee of Safety 

April 12th 1776 

In order to carry the maderwritten resolve of the Hon'ble Continental 
Congress into Execution you are requested to desire all Males above Twenty 
One Years of Age, (Lunatics, Idiots and Negroes excepted,) to sign to the 
Decclaration on this paper ; and when so done to make return hereof, together 
with the Name or Names of all who shall refuse to sign the same, to the 
General Assembly, or Committee of Safety of this Colony. 

M. Weare, Chairman. 

In Congress March 14th 1776 

Resolved, That it be recommended to the several Assemblies, Conventions, 
and Councils, or Committees of Safety of the United Colonies, immediately 
to cause all persons to be disarmed, within their respective Colonies, who are 
notoriously disaffected to the cause of AMERICA, Or who have not associated, 
and refuse to associate, to defend by ARMS the United Colonies, against 
the Hostile Attempts of the British Fleets and Armies. 
Extract from the minutes 

(copy) Charles Thompson, Secy. 

In consequence of the above Resolution of the Hon. Continental Congress, 
and to; show our Determination in joining our American Brethren in 
defending the Lives, Liberties and Properties of the Inhabitants of the United 
Colonies : 

We the Subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage and promise that we will, 
to the utmost of our Power, at the Risque of our Lives and Fortunes, with 
ARMS oppose the Hostile Proceedings of the British Fleets and Armies 
against the United American Colonies. 

20 



Joseph Stanhope, 1 
John Spinney, > 

ElEAZEK TWITCHELL, ) 



Auron Beal, Absalom FarwoU, William Beal, Joseph Mason, Benjamin 
Nurse, Jr., Amos Child, John Farwell, Abijah Brown, -Richard Farwell, Amos 
Skinner, Nathaniel Breed, Joseph Stanhope, Eleazer Twitchell, John Spinney, 
Benjamin Nurse, John French, Jolm S. Newhall. Philip Bailash, John Adams, 
James Philliiw, Jonathan yNichols, Henry Bemis, John Estnbrook, Joel 
Wright, William FoUett, Timothy Farley, James Bancroft, Thomas Upham, 
Nathaniel Breed, Jr., Jonathan Felt, Noah Day, Bunker Clark, David Mar- 
shall, Edmund Taylor, Samuel Everett, John Morse, Reuben Welman, John 
Stroud. 

In obedience to Your Honors we have faithfully discharged the duties 
requested, desiring each man to sign this covenant within our limits, all 
which have signed except Major Breed Batchelder.-" 

Joseph Stanhope, ) Select men 
of 
Packersfield. 

At a town meeting held not long afterwards it was "Voted to raise twenty 
pounds sterling in addition to ten pounds previously raised, to buy powder 
and other warlike stores for the town." 

BATCHELDER as a TORY. 

During that year Batohelder remained at home and did everything in 
his power to discourage enlistments, and intimidate his neighbors and to\\ai3- 
men from joining the cause of the patriots. He was a man of much natural 
ability, of great determination, possessed of considerable wealth for those 
times, and had a powerful influence upon those around him. 

In 1772 he had bought, in addition to all he previously ownied, 2,175 acres 
of land in the southeast quarter of the town, lying in detached tracts, the 
deeds of which are recorded in Cheshire Records. 

At the time of the "Tea party" in Boston, he started immediately for 
Canada and brought home a large quantity of tea (smuggled, no doubt), upon 
which he not only made an enormous profit, but which, together with rum 
and other articles, desirable in those times, he distributed among his neigh- 
bors in such a way as to place them under great obligations to him. 

But the patriotic feeling was strong among them, and growing stronger 
every day, and notwithstanding his power and influence they denounced 
him, both publicly and privately. 

He had been their leading man in all public affairs, but before the war 
broke out he had made himself obnoxious by his tory proclivities, and his 
name disappears from all town offices in the autumn of 1774. 

On the 17th of September (177G) a towni meeting was held, James Bancroft 
moderator, at which it was voted to dismiss the Committee of Safety, and 
a new one was chosen by ballot, consisting of Dr. Nath'l Breed, Reuben Wel- 
man, James Bancroft, John Adams and Aaron Boal. The former committee 
had been considered somewhat remi.ss in the performance of their duties, 
particularly in not arresting Batchelder for disloyalty. 

The new committee, headed by James Bancroft, who was also a recruiting 

••PackeMfleld had but one •"Tory." Other townii were not no fortunate : for example. 
Marlboroufch had r> ; Htn.-dnlo ha«l 10; Kt^nr. \2 : Ch'ntprPcId. 13; Honneker. 22. unJ 
Cl.Trpmont. 31. In t«omp parts of the country they were In the majority and the ronfll< t 
wap a civil a* well an a foroign %t. — Eds. 

21 



officer at that time, soon after their election arrested Batchelder and locked 
him up in the jail at Keene. 

The arrest was made by Bancroft and two others of the Committee, who 
went to him ostensibly to talk with him, and persuade him, if i)ossible, to join 
the whigs. 

Batchelder treated them with much politeness and suavity, gave them 
an excellent dinner and as much talk as they desired. Under some pretence 
he was persuaded to go down to Keene with them, and there they arrested 
him and shut him up in jail. 

As they turned to leave him at the door of the jail, he inquired if they 
would attempt to go home that night, as it was then late. They said they 
must do so if possible. 

Batchelder politely invited them to call at his house and inform his family 
where he M^as, and to remain there over night. "Tell them," said he, "that 
I am well cared for hy my friends. If they have retired for the night, call 
them up, and you shall be treated to the best the house affords." They declined 
his invitation. 

"Oh, stop," says Batchelder, "and if nothing more, have the cold turkey 
left at dinner." 

Bancroft said the thrust came home, and the committee also, but they 
didn't stop for the cold turkey. 

Not long afterward, however, Batchelder was set at liberty. Probably he 
had not, at that time, committed any overt act of treason and therefore could 
not be held, but the people of the town were very indignant that he should 
escape punishment. 

About this time Col. Enoch Hale of Unity was authorized to raise a regi- 
ment of Continental troops — regulars — and called on Packersfield for her 
quota of five men, according to the allotment. 

On the 4th of the next April — 1777 — the town held a meeting, George 
Brintnall moderator, at which the town voted to send the following address 
or petition to Col. Hale: 

"To Col. Enoch Hale. 
Sir 

In obedience to your request the town has been called together in a 
legal meeting, and the company by themselves, and they are generally of a 
mind that as they are fighting against enemies, they have one more dangerous 
to fight against at home than any abroad, viz. Major Breed Batchelder, who 
has from the very first appeared inimical to the cause of America and has 
discouraged said cause, and he has threatened the lives and health of the 
good people of this town, so that some that intended to have gone in the 
service are afraid to leave home and to leave their families exposed to his 
resentments. The committee of the town have, for above a year past, endeav- 
ored to have him brought to a proper trial, but could not be heard, and when 
the committees of other towns tried and condemned him to the common 
jail, he was set at liberty without our knowledge, and to our astonishment. 
And all the information that we could get after inquiring, was, that the 
jailer told us Your Honor told him he was at liberty. And since we hear 
he has been tried at the General Court without proper evidence, which might 



have been produced if sunmiuned: which we tliiiik is au arbitrary way of 
proceediug, and is so looked on by our neighbors. 

We are willing, and have signed, to abide by the orders of the Continental 
Congress, and we think this state ought to follow Gen. Washington's orders 
either to make them that are inimical swear to be friends, or treat them as 
foes. And Major Breed Eatchelder has had his name returned to you as a 
man to go in tlie service, and he has done nothing yet, but still refuses, though 
he is much the richest man in town. We have sent nearly half of our number 
the first year, and more than our proportion since, and have lost a number in 
the war. There are but five young men left in the Train Band, and they 
have been in the war, and we are poor; but if we could have justice done us, 
we will do to the utmost of our abilities in the common cause." 

(Signed) ''Nath'l Breed. Town Clerk, 

in behalf of the town.'' 

It was also "voted, that Lieut. Amos Skinner go with Capt. Eleazer 
Twitchell to carry the above petition." 

That meeting was adjourned for six days, and when it reassembled, on 
the 10th of the same month, the town voted to furnish its quota of five 
men as required by Col. Hale, and raised forty-one pounds ten shillings by 
subscription, to pay them. 

Batcheldcr stubbornly persevered in his loyalty to the king, and the feeling 
against him grew stronger and more bitter. He had now been returned as 
a suitable man to serve in the field, which amounted to the same as a draft, 
and so long as he kept away was liable to arrest and punishment as a deserter. 
He was hunted like a wild beast, and the people were so exasperated, if 
they could have captured him no doubt he would have been shot or hung. 

During the early part of that summer — 1777 — he lived for three months 
in a cave about eighty rods south of his house, not daring to be seen by his 
neighbors. The cave is still called ''Batchelder's den." 

AMiile there his wife used to carry him provision, passing from the house 
in a direction different from that to the cave, and then coming round to it. 
Some of the neighbors, of course, were personally friendly to the man who 
had been a kind neighbor to them, and a prominent man among them, and 
they would at times render him some slight assistance. Mr. James Philips, 
who lived in that part of the town, used to carry a jug of rum and set it in 
a sly place by a brook, and Batchelder, knowing the place, would get it and 
use up the contents, and then set the empty jug in the same place for Philips 
to fill again. Rum, in those days, was thought to be almost as necessary as 
bread. 

OflScers and .scouts were constantly on the watch for him, and one day 
they went to his house to arrest him, thinking he had gone there at the time. 
Mrs. B. was a spirited woman and met them at the door and forbade them 
to enter. Thej* insisted upon coming in. She caught a "piggiu" of boiling 
water from a kettle over the fire and dared them to set foot in the house. 
The story goes that Batchelder was in the house at the time, but she defended 
the castle so bravely al the front, that he had time to slip out on the otlicr 
side and escape to the woods without being seen by the officers. 

23 



One day, while living in tiie cave, his pursuers came directly upon the 
rock above him, and he overheard them telling what they would do if they 
caught him. From their threats he came to the conclusion that the only 
way to save his life was to leave the country. He told his wife so when she 
came with his food, and arranged with her to see his children once more. 
The next morning the mother told the children they might go and pick some 
strawberries. They went to the field indicated, and there very imexpectedly 
to them, they met their father. This was his last interview with them. 
Already his enemies were on his track. He fled towards the pinnacle north 
of his house, — near the "Buckminster place," — and his pursuers were so 
close upon him they prevented him from running down the hill to the 
right or left, but drove him towards the top of the hill. The north side 
of that pinnacle is a perpendicular rock, or ledge, some sixty feet high, and 
they believed escape on that side impossible. Sure of their prey they closed 
in upon the top of the hill, when to their surprise and chagrin, they found 
he had eluded their grasp. 

He had discovered a winding chasm in the rock, leading to the foot of 
the precipice, down which, like "Old Put," he had escaped, and was never 
more seen in this part of the country. That place in the rock is called to 
this day "Batchelder's stairs." 

At that time the British army under Burgoyne was invading the states 
from Canada, by way of Lake Champlain. Batchelder made direct for that 
army, and we find by certificates of surgeons and officers in the British army 
that he joined that force in 1777, and was made a captain in Lieut. Col. 
Peters' Corps of the "Queen's Rangers." Soon afterward he was detached, 
with his company, to Bennington under Col. Baum, where he was severely 
wounded in the shoulder by a musket ball. Pieces of the bone came out a 
long time afterward, and his arm was rendered nearly useless. 

Richard Farwell, who was in that fight from this town, used to say that 
he saw Batchelder there, in the ranks of the British, and took as good aim 
at him as he ever did at a black duck. 

He was in the British army at Saratoga when it surrendered, but was 
sent into Canada among the wounded — that disposition of the wounded being 
in accordance with the articles of the convention. 

He was afterwards sent to New York City where he lay at the expense 
of the British until the termination of the war in 1783, when he was sent 
with the British troops to Digby in Nova Scotia. 

There he became very dissipated, and finally, in 1785, was dro\\nied by 
falling from a boat, in the Basin of Annapolis. 

On the 28th of Nov., 1778, an act was passed by the legislature confiscating 
the property of the tories, and naming among others, John Wentworth, Gov- 
ernor of the state at the time of the breaking out of the war, and Breed 
Batchelder of this town. In Batchelder's case a committee was appointed 
to receive the property, and they took the "Out lands," including "2,940 acres 
in the northeast quarter, and 576 acres in the same quarter, near the meeting- 
house, with Mill Seat," — in all 6,182 acres "valued, before the war broke out," 
at 4,500 pounds sterling. But the widow and children were allowed to keep 
the homestead which remained in possession of the family for more than 
half a century after the close of the war. 

24 



Thomas Packer Batchelder afterwards went to England to obtain from 
the government, if possible, a restitution of or an ecjuivalent for the property 
his father had lost. He succeeded in obtaining a grant of a large tract of 
wild land in Canada, on condition that he would settle it with a certain 
number of families. He went on and made a commencement himself, but 
finally, becoming dissipated, he lost his papers, and with them his whole grant 

It was the opinion of some that if Batchelder had not been so harshly, 
and scornfully treated, he never would have gone over to the British. It is 
probable, however, that his strongest motive for adhering to the cause of 
the king, was that he believed England would ultimately subdue the rebels, 
and he preferred to be on the winning side, and thus preserve his property. 

After he had left the country, his wife and children were very harshly 
treated by their neighbors, whose jmrtisan feelings were so strong as to lead 
them to heap indignity and abuse ui^on the innocent family of him whom 
they believed to be guilty of treason. 

Packersfield did nobly in furnishing men and means for the war. 

Many of these soldiers served during the war, while some were volimteers 
for certain expeditions, or campaigns, and were at home a part of the time. 
At the time of the alarm in Coos, in 17S0, when the inhabitants were attacked 
by the British, Indians and Tories, and Royalston was burned, thirty-two men 
were sent from this town to assist in repelling the invaders. 

Several, also, who went into the army from other towns, and did good 
service, came and settled in town during, or very soon after the war, and 
are mentioned below among the Kevolutionary Heroes of the town. 

(End of General Griffin's sketch.) 



OUTLIXE OF THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTIOX. 
1775-1783. 

In the evening of April ISth, 1775, a British detachment niarched from 
Boston, bound for Concord, Mass., with the purpose of destroying military 
stores collected there by the patriots. An alarm, spread by Paul lievere and 
others, gave time for the concealment of most of such property before their 
arrival. (See Josiah Melville). 

At daybreak, April 19, 1775, such detachment, under orders of Major John 
Pitcaim, fired on a company of American "Minute Men" gathered on Lexing- 
ton Common, in front of the Meeting House, killing eight and wounding a 
number of others. This was the first bloodshed of the war. Pr«»civding to the 
Xnrth Bridge at Concord they met minute men from Acton. Sudbury and other 
towns. There the Acton company, under Captain Isaac Davi.s, fired on them. 
This was the first organized resistance. (See William Barker and Ezra 
Smith). 

On their retreat to Bostoji the British were harassetl by the fire of Minute 
Men who had hastily gathertnl from all the surrounding country. (See Joshiu 
Felt, Amos Bryant and John Burnap). 

25 



"And there was tumult iu the air, 

The fife's shrill note, the drums' loud beat; 

And through the wild land everywhere 
The answering tread of hurrying feet, 

While the first oath of Freedom's gun 
Came on the blast from Lexington."* 

The "Alarm" reached Packersfield in the afternoon of April 20, 1775. At 
daylight next morning twenty-seven men marched under Lieut. Abijah Brown. 
At least fifteen of them enlisted for eight months in the "Continental" Army 
(so-called because under the authority of the Continental Congress of the 
Thirteen Colonies). Boston was besieged. On June 17th the patriots occupied 
Charlestown peninsula and the battle of "Bunker Hill" took place, in which 
upwards of thirty, then or subsequently residents of Packersfield, were on the 
firing line, and at least two were killed. (See Samuel Griffin). 

On July 2nd George Washington took command of the army. The siege 
continued without further local event of great importance during the rest 
of the year. 

May 10th, Ethan Allen, by a surprise attack, took Fort Ticonderoga, at the 
junction of Lake George with Lake Champlain, commanding the great water 
route to the north. In September two expeditions were sent out for the Con- 
quest of Canada. One, under Montgomery, by way of Lake Champlain, and 
the other under Benedict Arnold by way of the Kennebec River. The latter 
endured extreme hardship en route. An attack on Quebec the last day of the 
year ended in the death of Montgomery, the wounding of Arnold, and the 
capture of a large part of their forces. (See Ebenezer Tolman). 

1776. 

Reinforcements sent to the Northern Army met with disaster at "The 
Cedars" and elsewhere, and by July 1st the Americans were driven out of 
Canada and retired to Ticonderoga. (See Solomon Kittredge). 

There they hastily constructed a fleet which, under command of Arnold, 
fought the British on Lake Champlain in October and was utterly destroyed. 
(See Thomas Baker). 

Meanwhile, in the early part of the year, cannon were brought from 
Ticonderoga to the army before Boston and for the first time it was in a 
position to make an attack. Dorchester Heights, commanding the city, were 
seized and, on March 17th, the British were forced to sail away to Halifax. 
(See Samuel Felt). 

Anticipating that New York would next be attacked, Washington hastily 
marched most of his army there and took possession of the city. In June he 
narrowly missed being assassinated by Thomas Hickey. The latter was hung 
June 28, and that very day the British fleet appeared off Sandy Hook. (See 
John White). 

On July 4th the Continental Congress at Philadelphia adopted the Decla- 
ration of Independence. 

The British landed on Staten Island. Washington occupied the western 
end of Long Island, now Brooklyn, where, in the latter part of August, he was 
attacked by a superior force and tliere was fierce fighting, known as the battle 

*From "The Rising", by Thomas Buchanan Read. 



of ''Loiif^ Island", uii Aufjust 27th aiul 28th. By a skillful niaua'U\To the 
American Army was withdrawn in the night time to Manhattan Island, and 
retreated nortliward. "Ilarloni Heights," a rear guard action, was fought 
on Septemher 15th. (See John White). 

The battle of ''White Plains," twenty-five miles from New York, took place 
on Octoher 28th, and there the British pursuit ended. Washington retired a 
little farther into the "Highlands," while the enemy returned, and on No- 
veniher liith cajjtured the isolated garrison at "Fort Washington". (See 
Samuel Felt and Joseph Felt). 

Washington, with most of the small remnant of his forces, only about 3,300 
men, then crossed tlie Hudson and marched through New Jersey trying to 
reach Philadelphia. He was closely pursued by Lord Cornwallis. On the 
night of December 8th the Americans crossed the Delaware at Trenton, taking 
with them all the boats in the neighborhood. (See Amos Richardson.) The 
British waited for the river to freeze over. On Christmas night W^ashing- 
jton, recrossing through the floating ice, surprised and captured the entire 
British garrison at Trenton. (See Samuel Felt). 

1777. 

Kach colony was supiiosed to furnish and keep recruited a number of Con- 
tinental regiments (Regulars) in proportion to its population. New Hampshire 
and ^fassachusetts did so. Others fell short. New Hampshire never had 
less than three regiments, each town supplying its "quota." 

The Continental Congress paid these troops in paper money, which rapidly 
depreciated until it became worthless. The colonies were called on for supplies, 
but there was no way to enforce the contributions, transportation was diffi- 
cult or impossible, and some did not properly respond. Consequently the 
"Continentals" were usually in a state of destitution. They were strengthened 
from time to time by bodies of militia, enlisted for short terms by some of the 
colonies and paid by them. New Hampshire sent outside her borders six 
Mich regiments during 1776. Relays of such militia formed the principal 
liart of the garrison of Fort Ticonderoga. In the spring of 1777 there were 
rumors of an invasion from Canada, and the garrison was strengthened. In 
June an invasion under Burgoyne actually came up Lake Champlain. An 
alarm went out and many volunteers hastily marched, but most of them were 
too late, and met the American Army retreating. (See John FarwoU and 
David Kimball). 

Ticonderoga was abandone<l July (5th. On July 7th the British cut to 
l)ieccs the patriot rear guard at IIul)bardston (see Ebenezer Tolman), and 
L'radually forced their way toward the Hudson River. (See David Kimball). 

As the British proceeded south the militia of the western part of New 
Hampshire was organized under General St^irk, and marched against them. 
At Bennington oli August 16th the former were defeated with great loss. 
(Sei» Richard Farwell). 

Burgoyne reachitl the Hudson River, crossed to the west side at Saratoga, 
and was met by the Americans at "Stillwater," where the first battle of "Sar- 
atoga" occurred on September 15th. On October 7th occurre<l the second 
l>attle of "Saratoga" and. as the result, on October 17th all that was left of 
the British Army surrendered. (See David Kimball). 



The prisoners were marched to Cambridge, where they were called "troops 
of convention" and confined for a long time guarded by organizations made up 
of either the very young or very old Colonials. (See Samuel Scripture, Jr.). 

Meanwhile, Washington, with the main American Army, had been fight- 
ing against great odds in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. On September 11th 
he was badly defeated at "Brandywine," and on September 26th the British 
entered Philadelphia. On October 4th he was again utterly defeated at 
"Germantown." A part of the army from the north, released from the Bur- 
goyne campaign, then joined him, and he went into winter quarters near 
Philadelphia, at "Valley Forge", where those that stuck by him endured priva- 
tions almost beyond belief. (See William Parker, Abijah Wetherbee and 
Levi Wilder.) 

1778. 

Benjamin Franklin had been in France trying to get aid. The Marquis 
de La Fayette, influenced solely by his interest in the cause and love of 
Liberty, came at his owui expense and rendered invaluable assistance. Finally, 
after the capture of Burgoyne, the French government became interested. 
They sent Baron Steuben to serve as a much needed drill master and in- 
structor to officers, as well as men, and he and La Fayette were both at Valley 
Forge in the spring of 1778. (See William Parker). 

Later a French fleet, convoying 4,000 soldiers, arrived and lay off the coast. 

The British, fearing that they would be bottled up in Philadelphia, 
marched back to New York. On the way they w^ere attacked and the battle of 
"Monmouth" took place June 28th. (See Abijah Wetherbee, William Parker 
and Levi Wilder). 

Washington then made his headquarters in the "Highlands" at West 
Point, on the west side of the Hudson, where the river breaks through the 
Catskill Mountains. From this as a center his lines formed a "V", one arm 
extending southeast to Long Island Sound, and the other southwest to Mor- 
ristown, New Jersey. An advanced post was at White Plains. These posi- 
tions were maintained until the end of the war. 

The British were now mostly in New York City, but about 6,000 were at 
Newport, E. I. A plan was formed to trap the latter force between the French 
and a land force made up mostly of New England Militia under Gen. Sul- 
livan. It failed of success in August of this year, owing to a great storm that 
crippled the French fleet. After the battle of "Rhode Island", August 29th, 
Sullivan's Army was compelled to withdraw. (See Timothy Bancroft). 

This was the last engagement of importance in the north. 

On November 10th occurred an Indian Massacre on the western frontier 
at "Cherry Valley". (See David Kimball). 

1779. 

The principal event of this year was a punitive expedition under General 
Sullivan against the Iroquois that permanently broke the power of all the 
great Indian tribes. (See David Kimball). 

In September the British evacuated Newport and the scene of war shifted 
to the South — the Carolinas and Georgia. 

The Continental Army iu winter quarters in the "Highlands" suffered 



almost as severely as at Valley Forge. (See Samuel Scripture, Jr., and David 
Kimball). 

17S0. 

Benedict Arnold, who had shdwn himself a brave man in the Quebec E.\pe- 
dition in the battles of Lake Champlain and Saratoga and elsewhere, but who, 
it is charged, had always been a "grafter", conspicuously in Montreal in 1776, 
and in Philadelphia after its evacuation by the British iu 1778, now nearly 
ruined the American cause by agreeing to sell West Point to the British for 
£10,000. The i)lot was discovered just in time. Arirold tied while the un- 
fortunate Major Andre, who was the British negotiator, was hung. (See 
Noah Hardy, David Kimball and Josiah Melville). 

During the year occurred the conquest by the British of South Carolina 
and Georgia. 

1781. 

The British Army that, under Lord Cornwallis, had been operating in the 
South, very unwisely gathered at Yorktown, Virginia, situated on a tongue 
of land between the York and James rivers, which was the scene of the so- 
called "Peninsula" campaign during the Civil War. Washington was quick 
to grasp the situation and, with the French, he planned another trap almost 
exactly like the one that had failed at Newport. He threatened New York 
City to make General Clinton in command there believe he was about to 
attack, while his main army (including Scammel's N. H. Regiment with 
several Packersfield men) made forced marches southward. He closed in on 
Cornwallis by land just as the French fleet arrived by sea. The siege began 
September 2Sth, and on October 19th the British Army was forced to uncon- 
ditional surrender. Colonel Scammel, not only a particularly brave and effi- 
cient officer, but said to have been the only man in the army who could make 
Washington laugh, was killed during these operations. (See Samuel Adams). 

Meanwhile Benedict Arnold, trying to divert Washington from his pur- 
I>ose, with a strong force of "Tories" was ravaging the coast of Connecticut. 

1782-1783. 

The armies remained in the field and there were desultory engagements, 
ii ostly on the frontier. (Sre Nathaniel Barrett. Daniel Holt and Joel Holt). 
Peace negotiations went on for a long time. November IJOth, 1782, provisional 
articles were signed, which subsetjuently became final without change. March 
23, 1783, was the day that the news reached America that the Revolutionary 
War was at an end. Armies were disbanded, prisoners set free on both sides, 
and in December Washington formally resigned his commission and retired 
to private life. 

There was no attempt made to give i>ensions until 1818, before which time 
many who had taken part in the war were dead. Then they were given only 
for Continental service, and very grudgingly. Many were revoked and had to 
be reapplied for with additional proof of i)ecuniary need. 

A general service iwnsion law was not passed until 1832, fifty-seven yeari 
iter the beginning of the war. 

29 



For this reason many who served never made any formal statement of 
their service, and it can only be ascertained from the fragmentary records now 
available. Owing to the poverty of the people — frequently they had no paper — 
and the lack of organization and demoralization of changing governments, the 
records were originally defective or at least scanty. Many that were made have 
been lost or destroyed, or are now in private hands, where they cannot be 
reached. For example, twenty-seven men marched from Packersfield on the 
"Lexington" Alarm, and thirty-two on the "Coos" Alarm, but in neither case 
can a roll giving the names be found. There even are no rolls of the Minute 
Men of Lexington, Concord and Acton. A portion of the Town Clerks' records 
of Packersfield have been lost. 

The editors of the following pages have, under the circumstances, done 
the best they could, but in some instances probably "the half has not been told." 



UNITED STATES REVOLUTIOSARY PENSIONERS LIVING IN 

NELSON, ROXBURY OR SULLIVAN, WITHIN THE LIMITS 

OF OLD PACKERSFIELD. 

"Well do I remember their assembling at the old store twice a year to receive their 
pensions. Josiah Robblns, Esq., one of their number and for many years town clerk, who used 
to sign his name with vapitals, made out their papers. 

The first to make his appearance In the morning was David Kimball, who was noted for 
his promptness ou all occasions. 

They were a noble band of men, and used to enjoy theniFelves and entertain others by 
relating stories of their hardships and sufferings In the struggle for Independence. Probably 
few towns of its size in New England bad more Revolutionary pensioners than Nelson." 

Josiah H. Melville, 

in "Nelson Clarion," 

March, 1S70. 

Annual 

Placed on Roll Allowance 

PHILIP ATWOOD Feb. 2,1833 50. 

THOMAS BAKER June G, 1833 34.99 

TIMOTHY BAXCROFT Jan. 9. 1834 23.33 

AMOS BRYANT July 8,1819 96. 

PETER CHANDLER 1818 •96. 

ISAAC DAVIS Mch. 15, 1833 74. 

SAMUEL DERBY Feb. 25, 1833 40.88 

JOSEPH FELT 1818 *96. 

SAMUEL FELT June 18, 1818 96. 

NOAH HARDY Feb. 19, 1833 47.43 

JOEL HOLT 1818 *96. 

DAVID KIMBALL Apr. 21,1818 96. 

JOSHUA KITTREDGE Feb. 25, 1833 30. 

WI LLIAM PARKER Feb. 4, 1833 88. 

GIDEON PHILLIPS Nov. 26, 1832 80. 

JOSIAH ROBBINS Feb. 28, 1833 66.66 

BENJAMIN SAWYER Feb. 25, 1833 46.66 

SAMUEL SCRIPTURE Feb. 25, 1833 80. 

EBEXEZER TOLMAN Feb. 25, 1833 53.33 

ABIJAII WETHERBEE Jan. 20, 1819 96. 

JOHN WHITE July 7. 1819 96. 

NEHEMIAH WRIGHT Fob. 25. 1*^33 36.66 

OLIVER WRIGHT Fob. 25. 1833 26.66 

• Probable amount. 

General S. G. Griffin, in bis boyhood. \vn.«« probably acquainted with all of 
these, except Chandler and Samuel Felt. The former died before Griffin was 
born, and the latter when he was about three years old. Editors. 



81 



NAMES AND RECORDS OF PIONEER SETTLERS OF PACKERS- 
FIELD, NOW NELSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE, WHO HAD PART 
IN THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION, 1775-1783. 

Edited hy Henry Melville and Charles A. Bemis, Assisted hy Memoranda 
Prepared hy General S. G. Griffin. 

"They left the ploughshare in the mould, 

Their flocks and herds without a fold, 
The sickle in the unshorn grain, 

The corn, half garnered, on the plain. 
And mustered, in their simple dress, 

For wrongs to seek a stern redress, 
To right those wrongs, come weal, come woe. 

To perish, or o'ercome their foe."* 

JOSEPH ABBOTT. 

Born in Andover, Mass., April 2, 1744. At the time of the war living in 
Wilton, New Hampshire. 

Sergeant in Captain Nathan Ballard's- Company ; raised out of Colonel 
Nichols' Eegiment of Militia, which company marched from Amherst and 
Wilton for Ticonderoga on the alarm of June 29, 1777. Marched first to No. 
4 (Charlestown), where they were ordered home, and marched as far as Dublin, 
when they were ordered by express to turn and march with all speed for 
Ticonderoga. Marched as far as Otter Creek, where had news of the evacua- 
tion of the fort. Service June 20, July 12, 1777 (See David Kimball). 
Probably other service. Came to Packersfield prior to 1787. Settled in North 
East Quarter. Elected Moderator of Town Meeting July 30, 1787, and of 
many subsequent meetings. Styled "Lieutenant" in record. 

JOHN ADAMS. 

One of the earliest settlers of Monadnock No. G (afterwards Packersfield 
and Nelson), at some time prior to 1773. 

His name appears as a town officer of Packersfield in 1774. At that time 
had already 15 acres cleared, 10 more cut over and a ''board house" erected. 

A signer of the "Association Test" in April, 1776. 

On September 17, 1776, chosen a member of the Committee of Safety, his 
associates being Dr. Nathaniel Breed, Reuben Wellman, James Bancroft and 
Aaron Beal. 

December 8, 1777, chosen a member of a committee to represent Packers- 
field in the election of a representative to the General Court at Exeter, for 
Packersfield, Stoddard, Washington and Gilsum, his associates being James 
Bancroft, Joel Wright, Captain Eleazer Twitchell and Richard Stoddard. 

At a To\\'n Meeting held March 29, 1779, elected chairman of a Committee 
of Safety, his associates being Stephen Cobb and Captain Stephen Parker. 

Also otherwise active in town affairs. 

Owing to the difficulty of determining identity, his military record cannot 
be given with certainty, though he undoubtedly had one. 

♦From "New England's Dead", by Isaac McLellau. 



He may have been the John Adams who in May, 1775, enlisted for eight 
months in Captain Benjamin Mann's Company of Colonel James Reed's 
Regiment, and was at Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775 (See Samuel Griffin), and 
possibly the "Lieutenant" John Adams of Captain Chase Taylor's Company 
in Colonel Thomas Stickney's Regiment, General Stark's Brigade, from July 
22nd, to September 20th, 1777. 

Styled "Lieutenant" Adams in minutes of a town meeting held May 25, 
17S0. ' 

Lived for many years on the William Seaver place above Breed Pond, and 
subsequently removed to Rodman, Xew York, where he died January 13, 1820. 

SAMUEL ADAMS. 

Born in Eraintree, Mass., in 1755. 

A member of Captain Joseph Guild's Company of Col. Greaton's Regi- 
iiu'ut, which marched from Pedham. Mass., on the alarm of April 19, 1775. 

April 30, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain Guild's Company of 
Col. Heath's Regiment. 

Re-enlisted January 1, 1776, for one year in Captain Guild's Company 
of Col. Greaton's Regiment, Mass. Continental Line. Discharged at New- 
ark, Xew Jersey. 

Came to Packersfield about 17S0, and March 19, 1781, enlisted from 
Packersfield for three years in Captain Isaac Farwell's Company in Col. 
Scammel's First Xew Hampshire Regiment, Continental Line. His descrip- 
tion then was "Age 28 years, stature 5 ft. 5 in." Probably in Yorktown 
Campaign, which resulted in the surrender of Cornwallis. April 11, 1783, 
hired Jacob Eastman as a substitute for the remainder of his term. 

October 7, 1818, in Xelson, made a pension declaration stating forego- 
ing Continental service. 

Died, probably in Xelson. iMay 19, 1832. 

JOHX AT WOOD. 

Said to have been born in England. 

The father of Philip and Josiah Atwood. 

At the outbreak of the war is said to have resided at Templeton, !^[ass., 
and to have served several enlistments. 

The name "John Atwood" of Templeton appears on numercus roils be- 
twi'en 1775 and 1780, but it seems certain that the records refer to two 
different iiersons and it is impossible to discriminate. 

He probably came to Packersfield with his sons about 1780, and died 
in Xelson. December 31, 1S14. and is buried in the cemetery on the Town 
Common. 

JOSIAH ATWOOD. 

Probably the Josiah Atwood who eulisteil in ( iii'laiii David liront's Com- 
pany of Colonel Job Cushing's Regiment, Septeml)er 5, 1777, and was dis- 
charged Xoveml>er 29, 1777. The roll does not disclose exact place of service, 
simply saying "to the Xorthward". Quite likely other service. 

John. Josiah and Pliilip Atwood are shown as residents of Packersfield in 
the first United States Census of 1790. 

»3 



PHILIP ATWOOD. 

Born in Woburn, Mass., January 4, 1756, son of John. At the outbreak 
of the war living in Templeton, Mass., from which place he made his numerous 
enlistments. 

August 16, 1832, made an application for a pension, now on file at "Wash- 
ington, which shows the following services, viz : 

1. In September, 1776, enlisted in Captain Boynton's Company of Colonel 
Dana's Eegiment and marched successively to Hartford and New Haven, 
Conn., and thence to White Plains and Tarr;^i:own, N. Y. At the latter place 
he ''guarded" a British vessel of war that lay in the Hudson Kiver. Then 
went to Dobbs Ferry and finally to "Wliite Plains, where he was discharged. 
Length of service about two months. 

2. May 5th, 1777, enlisted in Captain "William Henry's Company of Colonel 
Josiah "Whitney's Eegiment, marched through Worcester and joined his com- 
pany at Eutland, Mass. Then marched to Providence, E. I., where he re- 
mained about a month, working on a fort. Then marched to a place in 
Ehode Island called Boston ISTeck, where kept guard against the landing of the 
British until discharged. Length of service two months and nine days. 

3. In June, 1778, enlisted for nine months in the Continental Army, mus- 
tered in at Fishkill, N. Y., where he arrived June 23rd. Detailed to Quarter- 
master General's Department, and employed for a time in teaming from the 
barracks to Fishkill Landing, then sent to a place called "Little Pine Pas- 
tures" to press hay and carry it down to the army. Was discharged there about 
March 1st, 1779. During this enlistment never did any company duty, though 
belonging to Captain Wilder's Company of Colonel Sparhawk's Eegiment. 
His discharge was signed by Colonel Hays of the Quartermaster's Department. 

On this enlistment he was thus described: "Age 22 years; stature five feet 
six inches; complexion dark; residence Templeton, Mass." 

4. July 9th, 1780, enlisted in Captain Ephraem Steam's Company of 
Colonel John Band's Eegiment. Marched to Claverack and down the Hudson 
to Poughkeepsie, Fishkill and West Point, jST. Y. Then was sent up the river 
chopping wood. Was at West Point at the time of Arnold's escape (see David 
Kimball, Noah Hardy and Josiah Melville). Later went to Fishkill and 
relieved the guard there. Eeturned to West Point again and chopped wood 
at "the Great Pine Pastures". Discharged there October 10, 1780. 

It appears by the Cheshire Eegistry that, under date of May 9th, 1780, 
James Banks deeded to Philip Atwood, of Templeton, Mass., land in Packers- 
field. It is supposed that Atwood moved to the latter place in 1781. He lived 
there, in the west part of the town, until his death, October 8th, 1841, and 
is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. 

DAVID AYEEILL. 

A member of Captain Salmon Stone's Company of Colonel Enoch Hale's 
Eegiment that marched from Washington, N. H., to Cavendish, Vt., at the 
Ticonderoga Alarm in July, 1777, and then returned and joined Colonel 
Nichol's Eegiment of General Stark's Brigade, and marched from Eindge 
to Bennington and Stillwater. Took part in the Battle of Bennington, August 

34 



1(J, 1777. Discliarged September 25, 1777. lu the same company were Xoah 
Diiy, John Frrnch, Richard Farwcll, Absalom Farwell, Thomas K. Breed, 
Jonathan Jewett, Isaac Proctor, John Stroud, Joseph Mason and perhaps 
others connected with Packersiield. (See Richard Farwell.) 

In 1780 joined Captain Ephraim Stone's Company raised by the State 
of New Hampshire and put under the command of Major Benjamin Whit- 
comb, for the defense of the Western Frontier. 

Came to Packersiield during the war; probably from Jaffrey. Was a 
blacksmith with a shop north of the village, near the outlet of White's Pond, 
where later there was a saw mill. Sold it to Levi \\niitcomb about 1787. 

PHILIP BAILASH (Billash). 

One of the earliest settlers of Mouaduuck, No. (i. his name appearing on 
minutes of proprietors' meetings in 1773. In 1774 had nine acres cleared, 
six more cut over and a "pole house"' erected, occupied by himself and family. 

In April, 1770, one of the signers of the "Association Test" in Packersfield. 

Settled north of Mud Pond, where there was until recently the remains 
of an old orchard and probably left prior to 1785. 

AMOS BAKER. 

Born in Shrewsbury, Mass., January 26, 1764. A son of Joseph Baker and 
brother of Joel Baker. 

Enlisted from Xew Ipswich, X. H., February 2S, 1781, in the Continental 
Army for three years or during the war. Served in the Eighth Company of 
Colonel Cilley's Regiment, Xew Hampshire Continental line. 

Came to Packersfield with his father. 

Died in the service of the United States near Buffalo, X. Y., October 7, 1814. 

JOEL BAKER. 

Bom June 30, 1762. A son of Joseph Baker and brother of Amos Baker. 

Enlisted from Xew Ipswich. X. H., March 0, 1781, in the Continental Army 
for three years, or during the war. Served in the Seventh Company of Col. 
Cilley's Regiment, Xew Hampsliire Continental line. 

JOSEPH BAKER. 

Bi>rn in iNIarlboro, ^lass., September 8, 1742. Brother of Thomas Baker; 
father of Joel and Amos. 

Ho is supi)osed to be the "Joseph Baker" of Marlboro, who as a member 
of Cai)tain Cyprian Howe's Company in Colonel Jonathan Ward's Regiment 
marched to Cambridge on the alarm of April 19, 1775, and there enlisted 
fur eight months in Captain Cranson's Company of Colonel Whitcomb's 
Ri-gimeut (see Thomas Baker), and also was in Captain Gates' Company, 
on duty in Xew York in 1777. 

Probably other service. 

He came to Packersfield about 1780. Located in the northwest quarter 
on what was aftenvards known as the Joseph Osgood place. General Griffin 
states that he oiH'ratcd a saw and grist mill Ik.*1ow Munsonville. 

Died in Xelson, about 1824. 

86 



THOMAS BAIvER. 

Born in Marlboro, Mass., December 31, 1756, and was living there at the 
outbreak of the war. Went into the field at least five times, viz.: 

1. In June, 1775, for a short time took the place of his brother, Joseph 
Baker, in Captain Cranston's Company of Colonel Whitcomb's Regiment, 
before Boston, and while there, on June 17, 1775, occurred the battle of 
Bunker Hill, in which, by his pension declaration, verified August 16, 1832, 
he swears he participated. 

He says that durnig the battle his company was comm.anded by Lieu- 
tenant Wyman, as Captain Cranston was in the "main guard." 

2. About the middle of February, 1776, enlisted for two months in Cap 
tain Edgil's Company of Colonel Manning's Regiment, Massachusetts Mili- 
tia, and was stationed at Cambridge, about half a mile east of Harvard 
College, doing guard and fatigue duty. Was there when the British evac- 
uated Boston, March 17, 1776. 

3. About the middle of July, 1776, enlisted for five months in Captain 
Gates' Company of Colonel Reed's Regiment and marched to Ticonderoga, 
>.vhere he remained till the expiration of his term. He states that during 
this time "our fleet was destroyed." (See David Kimball.) 

Wlien the patriot army was driven out of Canada in June, 1776 (See 
Ebenezer Tolman and Solomon Kittredge), it retreated to Ticonderoga, and 
there Arnold began building a navy, with which he hoped to secure control 
of Lake Champlain. On the 7th of October he moved north with a pitiful 
little fleet of three schooners, a sloop, eight gondolas and four galleys, with 
a few light guns, manned by about eighty men. So short was he of gun- 
ners that on his own vessel he had to point the guns himself. The British 
under Carleton, had a ship, two schooners, a radeau, a gondola, twenty 
gunboats and some long boats, manned by seven hundred sailors, and a 
large number of heavy giuis handled by a detachment from the royal artil- 
lery. The fighting that followed was magnificent, but hardly war. The 
Americans fought bravely, but had no cliance. "What was left of their boats 
were finally run ashore and set afire with colors flying, while the men posted 
themselves on the bank and .protected the colors from the enemy until all 
were consumed. 

4. In 1777 volunteered for thirty days in Captain William Morse's Com- 
pany of Colonel Faulkner's Regiment and marched to Saratoga to take part 
in the Burgoyne campaign. The arrangements for a surrender had been 
made before their arrival, but his regiment marched the prisoners back to 
Cambridge. Overstayed the time of his enlistment fifteen days. 

5. In October, 1778, enlisted for two months in Captain Coles' Company 
of Colonel Jacobs' Regiment and marched to Fall River, where his company 
was stationed at a locality knoA\'ii as "Hogsneck," about three miles from the 
rest of the regiment. The British meanwhile lay on Rhode Island. 

He came to Packersfield about 1797. Located on what is now known as 
the Yeardley place, near Long Pond. Died in Nelson, December 6, 1842, at 
the age of 86, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. 

36 



JA:MES BANCROFT. 

Bom in Dunstable, Mass., October 2<5, 1745. A brother of Timothy Ban- 
croft. 

One of the earliest settlers of Monadnock Xo. 6 (afterwards Packersfield 
and Nelson). His name appears in minuter* of the meetings of proprietors 
in 1773 and very frequently thereafter, indicatin^r that he was one of the most 
prominent citizens. 

In 177-t had twenty acres cleared, fourteen more cut over and had erected 
a "board house," which he occupied with his family. 

Probably one of tlie twenty-seven from Packersfield that on April 21, 1775, 
under Lieut. Abijah Brown, marched to Canjbridge on the Lexington Alarm. 

Signer of the "Association Test'' in April, 1770. 

Member of Conunittee of Safety, elected September 17, 1770, and as such 
arrested Breed Batchelder. His colleagues on the committee were Dr. 
Nathaniel Breed, Reuben Welhnan, John Adams and Aaron Beal. 

Recruiting officer in 1770. 

Sergeant in a company commanded by Captain John Mellin from Colonel 
Enoch Hale's Regiment, which marched from Fitzwilliam and towns adja- 
cent to reinforce the garrison at Ticonderoga on the AJarm in June, 1777. 

Member of Captain James Lewis' Company in Colonel Enoch Hale's Regi- 
ment of Volunteers, which marched from the State of New Hampshire and 
joined the Continental Army in Rhode Island in August. 1777. Service 
twenty-three days. 

Chairman of committee chosen in 1777 to elect representative to General 
Court for Packersfield, Stoddard, Washington and Gilsum. His associates 
were Joel AVright, Captain Eleazer Twichell, John Adams and Richard Stod- 
dard. 

See anecdotes by General Griffin in his sketch of the Early History of the 
town. 

Settled in the southeast part of the town where Joel Bancroft subse- 
quently lived. 

Died at Montpelier, Vt., :March 2, 1832. 

TIMOTHY BANCROFT. 

Born in Dunstable, Mass., July 15, 1759, and living there at ti imn. ;ik "i 

the war. A brother of James Bancroft. 

June 4, 1833, made a pension declaration in which he says that in the 
month of July or August, 1778, he enlisted from Tyngsboro* in Captain 
Varnum's Company of Colonel Thatcher's Regiment, and marched to Provi- 
dence, R. I., wliere he remained a few days and thence to Rhode Island (re- 
ferring to the island of that name and not to the State) and crossed at How- 
land's Ferry, on to Rhode Island. That he "was in the battle under General 
Sullivan; retreated off tlie night after the battle and back to Providence; 
marched thence to the North Rivi-r (Hudson) above New York City; from 
there into New Jersey to Rahway or Woodbriilge ; was stationed at Wood- 
bridge during the winter, guarding the lines wliile the continental troops 
were in winter quarters." That the enemy lay at Aniboy and came out from 

•Part or old DuDHtable. 

37 



there the night before he was dismissed, and there was a battle which resulted 
in the enemy being driven back. That he was dismissed at "Woodbridge the 
first part of March, having been in the service about seven months. 

He concludes by saying that at Rhode Island General Sullivan was in 
command and that "the French fleet was there." 

Attached to his declaration was a certificate of Bancroft's reliability, exe- 
cuted by Eev. Gad Newell and Samuel Scripture, before Henry Melville, 
Justice of the Peace. 

General Griffin wrote the following : "Timothy Bancroft was at the battle 
of Rhode Island August 29, 1778, in General Sullivan's command. As the 
brigade he was in was marching up to the attack, the British, who were sta- 
tioned behind a stone wall, fell back to form in some different way. "Wliile 
they were performing the evolution the Americans rushed forward, seized 
the wall for a breastwork and poured in their fire. The British retreated from 
that point, and as they did so a battery near where he stood poured in grape 
shot and cannister, and seemed to cut them down by scores at a time. One 
of the gunners was particularly skillful and made every shot tell." 

A reader of these sketches cannot fail to notice that a large proportion 
of the subjects of them went on "onto" Rhode Island in the latter part of July, 
1778, and, in most cases, came back about a month later. Many of the 
muster rolls refer to the expedition as the "Rhode Island Alarm". 

It was one of the three great "Alarms" that particularly interested the 
patriots of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, the first having been the 
"Lexington" Alarm at the outbreak of the war, and the second the "Ben- 
nington" Alarm in the summer of 1777. To all three they responded with 
great enthusiasm. 

Under David Kimball, Richard Farwell and others, there has been de- 
scribed the far-reaching results of the Bennington-Saratoga Campaign in 1777. 
Not only was Burgoyne's Army wiped out of existence, but that event gained 
from France recognition of American Independence and promise of assistance. 

In the summer of 1778 this promise materialized in the coming of a 
French fleet under Admiral D'Estaing, convoying 4,000 land troops. They 
lay off Virginia and gave no indication of their plans. 

Suddenly a call went through New Hampshire and Massachusetts that 
General Sullivan, of New Hampshire, the most trusted of the New England 
generals, wanted militia in Rhode Island and that they must come in haste. 
The details of what was on foot were not disclosed, but it was rumored that 
great things were about to be attempted that might end the war. 

The response was prompt and by August 10th Sullivan had about 9,000 men. 

The detachments frequently took horses with them, what they could get, 
but never enough for all. The "ride and tie" system prevailed. As many 
as possible would "ride" a few miles, halt and "tie"; the remainder would 
follow till they reached the horses, when they, in turn, would ride. Thus 
they could proceed thirty or forty miles a day. (See Samuel Scripture.) 

Washington and D'Estaing had formed the following plan: At Newport, 
on Rhode Island, were 6,000 British troops under General Pigot. Sullivan 
was to get what militia he could. "Washington was to send 2,000 Continentals 
under Gen. Lafayette. The French fleet were to suddenly appear off New- 
port with their troops. The Americans were to land on the east side of 

38 



the island, the French on the west. The French fleet were to guard the 
harbor, and the 6,000 British were already as good as captured. 

The French fleet appeiired July i9th, but unfortunately Sullivan was 
not yet quite ready. On August Sth he had about 9,000 men, which he thought 
was enough, and on the 9th he occupied Butts Hill, The French troops 
were to land the following day, and a general assault was to follow. But 
tlie delay had been fatal. On August 9th a British fleet appeared oflF the 
harbor. On the 10th the French put out to fight them. Before they could 
begin a tornado arose, the greatest storm ever known in the region, and 
the two fleets were scattered all along the coast, some ships being driven as 
far as the Virginia Capes. 

Sullivan's camp was destroyed, tents blown away, ammunition spoiled, 
horses and men drowned. (See Samuel Scripture, Jr.) 

The British fleet put into Xew York for repairs. The French ships 
returned, one by one, in a crippled condition, till by August 20th they 
were all there again. 

^feanwhile, Sullivan, having straightened matters out to some extent, 
liad resumed operations and was on Rhode Island in a favorable position 
for an assault, and it was expected that the original plans would be carried 
out. 

D'Estaing Avas willing, but his ship captains said "Xo"; they must first 
go to Boston to refit. The Americans begged and pleaded, but to Boston they 
went and with them the 4,000 French troops. 

Tlie British were prompt to see their opportunity, and on the 29th 
attacked Sullivan with great vigor. This was the Battle of "Rhode Island." 
Sullivan's troops fought well, and the immediate result was inconclusive. 
It was seen, however, that to remain where they were was perilous, so at 
night, keping up a great show of activity at the front, which completely 
deceived the enemy, he withdrew his entire army, with the artillery and 
supplies, to the mainland, in a most masterly manner. It much resembled 
the retirement from Long Island in 1776. (See John "White.) The plan 
of campaign having broken down, the militia, full of disappointment, were 
allowed to go home and both sides were just where they started. 

The plan had been a thoroughly good one, and one almost exactly similar 
was successful in 17bl and resulted in the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at 
Yorktown. 

Bancroft came to Packersfield about 1788 and settled on the same farm 
as his brother James, afterwards known as Joel Bancroft's place. He died 
there November 15, 184S, in his ninetieth year, and is buried in the cemetery 
on the Town Common. 

JAMES BANKS. 

Born September 19, 17.')1. 

During the war lived in Oakham, ^Mass. His name api)ears on a list of 
men drafted from Westchester County Militia to go to Horse Neck under 
Colonel Converse, who did not join regiment; drafted to serve under Cai)taiD 
Abner How of Brookfield. Neither year nor length of service is given. 

May 1, 1781, Simon Davis conveyed to James Banks "of Packersfield'' 
land in the South West Quarter. 



He lived on the ''Chote" place, joining the Esek Phillips place, in Eox- 
bv.ry. Died there August 13, 1835. 

THEODORE BAEKER. 

Born in Acton, Mass., May 25, 1761. Son of William Barker and brother 
of William S. 

Appears on a list of men detached from Col. Brooks' regiment to relieve 
guards at Cambridge and served in a company commanded by Lieut. 
Heald, Jr., of Acton. The year is not given. 

Also appears in a return of men enlisted into the Continental Army from 
Capt. Simon Hunt's Company, Col. Elezer Brooks' Regiment dated September 
5, 1777; joined Capt. Munroe's Company of Colonel Timothy Bigelow's Regi- 
ment; enlistment for three years or during the war. In muster return dated 
February 3, 1778; reported discharged. 

In 1779 moved to Packersfield with his father, and from that town enlisted 
again in the Continental Army, and served at West Point from June 28 to 
December 4th, 1780, in Capt. Isaac Frye's Company of Col. Alexander 
Scammel's Regiment, I^ew Hampshire line. 

In New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. 16, at page 106, is an interesting 
document entitled: 

"Return of half pint of Rum & one pound Sugar. Issued to each of follow- 
ing six months men by Joseph Bass Cloathier & Commissary for the State of 
N. Hampshire at West Point, July, 1780." 

Theodore Barker was one of those who signed. It is to be noted that the 
total amount of rum accounted for was out of proportion to the sugar. Evi- 
dently some did not care for sweetening. 

Barker subsequently removed from Packersfield to Bradford, Vermont. 

WILLIAM BARKER. 

Born in Methuen, Mass., April 10, 1734; afterwards lived in Concord and 
Acton, Mass., and was a resident of the latter in 1775. 

During the French and Indian War he appears to have served two enlist- 
ments. The first was as a Private in Captain Samuel Dakin's company, from 
September 15, 1755, to February 18, 1756, on the first expedition against CrowTi 
Point. In different records his residence is given as Acton and Concord. 
They are adjoining towns. Possibly he lived near the boundary line or had 
lived in one and worked in the other. His name next appears as a corporal 
in Captain Thomas Hartwell's company of Col. Bagley's Regiment, on the 
second expedition against Crown Point, with service from April 22, 1756, to 
November 27, 1756. His description is "Age 23 years; occupation, cord- 
wainer; birthplace, Methuen; residence. Concord''. He is reported as a 
"Yolunteer" and as having joined from "Major Minot's Company of Colonel 
Buckmaster's militia regiment". 

On the 19th day of April, 1775, at Concord he witnessed the beginning of 
the War for Independence. 

''By the rude bridge that arched the flood. 
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled. 
Here once the embattled farmers stood 

And fired the shot heard round the World."* 

*From "The Concord Hymn", and inscribed on the monument. By Ralph Waldo 
Emerson. 

40 



Under Josiah Melville is an account of the events immediately preceding 
the expedition of the British from Boston. They began their march from 
Charleston about midnight, the force consisting of about 800 men under 
Lieut. Colonel I'rancis Smith, with Major John Pitcaim second in command. 
Their instructions were to proceed to Concord, destroy the military stores 
which had been collected there by the Provincial Congress, capture Col. James 
Barrett, who had charge of the stores, and John Hancock and Samuel Adams, 
members of the Committee of Safety, who were known to be in the neighbor- 
hood, and to do this, if possible, without bloodshed. 

Col. Smith, who is described as a very fat, heavy, and, presumably, placid 
man, seems to have been mindful of the latter part of such orders. Pitcaim, 
however, was a hothead and precipitated trouble at Lexington, 12 miles from 
Boston. His nerves may have been tried by the fact that instead of being, as 
intended, a profound secret, the march had hardly begun before, by the firing 
of guns and the ringing of bells it was announced to all the surrounding 
countrj'. 

Paul Revere reached Lexington with the news about one o'clock, a. m. The 
alarm was circulated from farm to farm and a considerable number of Captain 
John Parker's company of Minutemen soon gathered. Messengers were sent 
toward Boston and some returned with reports that they could find nothing, 
so the assembly was dismissed. Some who lived near went home and others 
went to the tavern. About half past four Thaddeus Bowman rode up to 
Parker with the startling announcement that the British were only about a 
hundred rods away. The drum was beat and the minute men hastened out 
and gathered around their captain on the Common, between the tavern and 
the meeting house. Parker told those who were not equipped to go into the 
meeting house and furnish themselves from the public magazine, and a number 
did so. Before they could return the advance party under Major Pitcaim 
came out of the darkness at the other end of the common and advanced almost 
on a run toward the Americans, Pitcaim on horseback in the lead. 

One of the minutemen afterwards stated that he counted his companions 
and there were "thirty-eight and no more". Others were hastening across the 
fields and perhaps 50 or 60 were there before the firing began. 

"Stand your ground!'' exclaimed Parker; .''don't fire unless fired upon. 
But if they want to have a war let it begin herel" 

Pitcaim galloi)cd up to within about six rods and shouted "Lay down your 
arms, you danmed rebels and disperse !'* 

Captain Parker, seeing the hopelessness of armed resistance, gave an order 
to disperse and not to fire. The men started to go when Pitcairn roared 
"Damn you, why don't you lay down your arms?" 

No answer came back and Pitcaim, furious with passion, turned and gave 
an order to "Fire!'' His nu-n hesitated, and he repeated "Fire, damn you, fire!" 

A few shots followed, all going over the heads of the Americans. Seeing 
that his men did not aim to kill he gave his command for the third time 
■ G — d damn you, fire ai them!'' 

A crash of musketry followe<l and. when the smoke rolled away, in the 
faint light of the coming daybreak, eight were seen to be dead and more than 
that number seriously wounded. 

41 



A few scattered shots followed in reply, given without orders, and doing 
little or no damage, beyond wounding Pitcairn's horse. 

Col. Smith then came up with the main body and the march proceeded to 
Concord, six miles further, which was reached about seven o'clock. 

Few people were in the village. Most of the women and children had fled 
in terror, while many of the men were still engaged in hiding the stores, and 
the rest were with their companies gathered on a neighboring hill. Pitcairn 
entered Wright's tavern and called for rum, into which he plunged his finger 
to stir the sweetening. Evidently he was considerably agitated for it is 
reported that his hand shook so that he spilled a portion of the contents of the 
glass. The houses were ransacked but little of importance found. About 60 
barrels of flour were rolled into the road and knocked open. About 500 pounds 
of musket balls were thrown into the pond, the liberty pole cut down, some 
barrels of wooden spoons and trenchers burned and minor mischief perpetrated. 

The provincial congress afterwards made an estimate that the value of pri- 
vate property destroyed in Concord was 274 pounds sterling. 

The Court House was set on fire, but Mrs. Martha Moulten, a lady of 
seventy-one, who had remained behind when the younger people fled, gave 
Pitcairn such a tongue lashing that he ordered it extinguished. 

Meanwhile Col. Smith dispatched six companies, under Captain Lawrence 
Parsons, to the i*^orth Bridge on the Concord River, about three-quarters 
of a mile from the village. There the force was divided, half of it guarding 
the bridge, while Parsons, with the remainder, crossed over and proceeded 
two miles further on the Aeton road to the house of Colonel Barrett (see 
Josiah Melville). 

The Concord minutemen had fallen back before the British advance and 
were now about a quarter of a mile beyond the bridge on a little hill called 
"Punkatasset." Here they began to be joined by minutemen hastening in 
from the adjoiniug towns — Acton, Lincoln, Bedford, Sudbury and Carlisle — 
the most coming from Acton, which was nearest. There was little organ- 
ization. Most of the men came as individuals or in small squads. 

"Swift as their summons came they left 
The plow mid furrow standing still; 
The half-ground corn grist in the mill. 
The spade in earth, the axe in cleft. 

They went where duty seemed to call; 

They scarcely asked the reason why; 

They only knew they could but die. 
And death was not the worst of all!"* 

Col. James Barrett called a council of war, the first in the American 
Revolution, and the leaders gathered about him. 

Among the early arrivals was William Barker. 

Distant towns that responded to the Lexington alarm subsequently filed 
their muster rolls and received pay from the State. Lexington, Concord 
and Aeton filed no rolls, so we have nothing but tradition for information 
as to their organizations. As a matter of fact in these towns practically all 
able bodied men tiu-ned out. 

•From "Lexington", by John Greenleaf Whittier. 

42 



Actoii had certainly two, and perhaps three, organizations of either militia 
or niinutenien, but their size and composition is now unknown. 

Francis Faulkner had been captain of one of them and his descendants 
tell the followinjr story of how the alarm reached him; 

''lie resided in South Acton. Ilis son Francis, Jr., was lying awake 
and listening to the clatter of a horse's feet drawing nearer and nearer. 
Suddenly he leaped from his bed and ran to his father's room adjoining and 
exclaimed: 

"'Father, there's a horse coming on the full run, and lie's bringing news!' 

''Ilis father had heard the horseman also, for he was partly dressed, with 
gun in hand. Across the bridge and up to the house came the messenger. 

" 'Rouse your minutemen, Mr. Faulkner, the British are marching on 
Lexington and Concord.' And away he rode to spread the news. 

"Faulkner, without completing his dress, fired his gun three times as 
fast as he could load, that being the preconcerted signal. Very quickly a 
neighbor repeated it, and the boy, still listening, heard a repetition many 
times, each farther away. Thus was Acton aroused." 

Faulkner had just been promoted Major, so he turned the command of his 
company over to Lieutenant Simon Hunt. His men quickly gathered at 
Faulkner's house and with them came many women to help as they might. 
Fires were built in the door yard, kettles hung, and a dinner for the soldiers 
soon cooked. Some of the older boys were designated to follow on and 
carry it in saddle bags, with instructions to keep to the fields if they found 
the British occupying the highwaj'S. 

Hunt's company reached the Xorth Bridge just as the firing began. 

Captain Isaac Davis' Acton Company were a few minutes ahead of them. 
The family tradition is that William Barker was a member and marched 
with Davis' company. 

In 1835 Acton celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of the incor- 
poration of the town. In connection with it the committee in charge tried 
to make a list of the members of Davis' company, April 19, 1775. 

There was nothing to go by but tradition and the memory of two or 
three old men. Thirty-five names were obtained, which all admitted were 
not the full number. Among the thirty-five were "Francis Barker" and 
'•Joseph Barker." There was no William, but inasmuch as the subject of 
this sketch, with his family, had left Acton about fifty-seven years before, 
it -vould not be surprising if he had been forgotten. 

There is no reason to doubt the correctness of the tradition that adds 
him to the number. 

In an oration, delivered at the 1835 celebration by Josiah Adams, a 
native of the town, it is said: "The rustic soldiers of Acton had never seen 
a British soldier in uniform and had only rejid of his appearance in arms. 
But they determined to see thom. Many went directly to the bridge and 
there waited to join their companies, others repaired to the houses of their 
commanders and there formed for march." 

About seven o'ch>ek, as soon as about twenty men had gathered. Davis 
started and others joined all along the way, so he had at least forty or fifty. 
They marched two by two, with Francis Barker drununer, and Luther 
Blanchard fifer, in the lead, playing "The White Cockade." 

48 



Reaching the westerly part of Concord, they were warned that the British 
were at the house of Coh Barrett, so, instead of passing it, they went through 
the fields to the northward, pausing a few minutes to watch the destruction 
of the stores. 

Arriving at Punkatasset hill, near the bridge, they halted and Davis 
joined the group about Col. Barrett. 

Before them stood the soldiers guarding the bridge and beyond, over 
Concord, volumes of smoke began to rise. They thought the village was 
being destroyed. 

It was decided to march to the town for its defense. Col. Barrett sug- 
gested to one of his Concord Captains that he lead, but the latter said he 
had rather not. He then turned to Davis and asked him if he was afraid 
to go. Davis promptly responded, "No, I am not; and there isn't a man 
in my company that is," and gave the command to march, 

At the head with Davis was Major John Buttrick of Concord, then came 
the musicians, followed by Davis' Company, two by two, with guns at 
"trail." The others formed on behind. 

It is related that the fifer and drimamer again struck up "The White 
Cockade," which perhaps was the only music they knew, and to this singu- 
larly inappropriate tune the little army of farmers advanced. 

The British crossed to the other side of the bridge and began to pull up 
the planks. 

Major Buttrick, in a loud voice, ordered them to desist, whereupon they 
left the bridge and formed for action at its easterly end. 

As the Americans approached, suddenly several shots were fired, most 
of which passed over their heads, but Blanchard, the fifer, was slightly 
wounded. Whereupon Major Buttrick turned and cried "Fire, for God's 
sake fire!" 

The order was obeyed and one British private was killed, another wounded 
so seriously that he could not leave the field (their graves are there to this 
day) and a number of others were slightly wounded, including four officers. 

Almost at the same moment came a volley, killing Captain Davis and 
Abner Hosmer and wounding several others. 

Barker may have told the story something like this, — 

" 'On the Kings own highway I may travel all day. 
And no man hath warrant to stop me', says he ; 
'I've no man that's afraid, and I'll march at their head,' 
Then he turned to the boys, 'Forward march ! follow me !' 
And we marched as he said, and the Fifer he played 
The old 'White Cockade' and he played it right well. 
We saw Davis fall dead, but no man was afraid; 
That bridge we'd have had, though a thousand men fell." 

The British at once withdrew to Concord village and the Americans fol- 
lowed at a distance. The companies from Col. Barrett's house returned and 
about noon all began retreating towards Boston. 

By this time the minutemen had gathered in large numbers, and, acting 
mostly without organization, they hung, about the flanks like a swarm of 
hornets, inflicting heavy damage. (See Joshua Felt, Amos Bryant and John 
Burnap.) 

•From "New England's Chevy Chase", by Edward Everett Hale. 

44 



"Over the hillsides the wild knell is tolling, 

From their far hamlets the yeomanry come; 
As through the storm-clouds the thunder-burst rolling, 
Circles the beat of the mustering drum. 
Fast on the soldier's path 
Darken the waves of wrath. — 
Lon?r have they gathered and loud shall they fall; 
Ked glares the musket's liash, 
Sharp pings the rilles crash, 
Blazin.2- ;ind clanging from thicket and wall."* 

Col. Smith's force would have been annihilated had they not been mot 
at Lexington by a reinforcement of nearly a thousand men under Earl Percy. 

Barker was then 41 years old, so we would hardly expect to find that he 
enlisted for any long period of field service, especially as both his sons, 
"William Smith Barker and Theodore Barker, were in the army, the latter 
from Packersfield (see his record). However, in the Massachusetts Rolls 
we find the name of William Barker of Acton twice, viz.: 

1. Private in Capt. Israel Ileald's Company of Col. Eleazer Brooks' Regi- 
ment, which marched to Roxbury, March 4, 1776. 

■2. Private in Captain Hunt's Company of Colonel Eleazer Brooks' Regi- 
ment in return of men in camp at "White Plains (probably in the State of 
Xew York). The date is not given. 

In 1777' or 1778 Barker moved to New Hampshire and probably enlisted 
again there. 

It may have been the Packersfield William who under Ensign David 
McQuaig marched from Litchfield for Ticonderoga on the alarm June 29, 
1777, by order of Moses Nichols, Colonel of the Fifth Regiment of the 
Xew Hampshire Militia, as far as Keene. where they were ordered back 
by express from Colonel Bellows, being 70 miles. 

At a special town meeting held in Packersfield, September 6, 1779, William 
Barker was elected Moderator, indicating that he must have been in town 
l"r a considerable time before then. 

lie settled on a farm about half a mile north of the present village, on 
the old road to Stoddard. 

He seems to have won the confidence of his fellow citizens to an extraor- 
dinary degree, for, acording to the minutes of the regular Town meeting, 
March 27, 1780, some of the town officials elected were: 

Moderator — William Barker. 

Town Clerk — William Barker. 

First Selectman — William Barker. 

This is a record that can hardly be equalled in Nelson or any other town. 

In 1782, when a church was organized, he was chosen one of the first 
deacons. 

In 1782, 1783, he repre;»ented the town in the Legislature. 

He was Selectman and Town Clerk many other times and otherwise active 
in town affairs. Worthy of siKvial note is the fact that in 1793, with Samuel 
(Jriffin and Noah Hardy, he secured the services of Rev. Gad Newell, who 
<ontinued in charge of the Nelson Church for nearly fifty years. 

•From "L«xlnrtoD". bj- Oliver Wendell Holmew. 

45 



Deacon Barker died December 28, 1821, in his eighty-eighth year, and in 
buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. 

WILLIAM SMITH BAKKEE. 

Born in Acton, Mass., July 8, 1759. Son of Deacon William Barker. 
Brother of Theodore Barker. 

July 7, 1777, enlisted in Captain Abishai Brown's Companj' of Colonel 
John Robinson's Regiment and served five months and twenty-eight days. 

August 1, 1778, enlisted in Captain Francis Brown's Company of Colonel 
Mclntoshe's Regiment, General Lovell's Brigade. Discharged September 
11, 1778. Service in Rhode Island. 

October 31, 1782, was married by Rev. Jacob Foster in Packersfield to 
Lydia Morse. Lived in town several years thereafter. 

NATHANIEL BARRETT. 

Born May 8, 1742. 

May 2, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain Josiah Crosby's Company 
of Colonel James Reed's New Hampshire Regiment. Was at the battle of 
Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. Discharged at end of December. 

Most of the company went from Amherst, which then included Milford 
and Mount Vernon. One of them was Solomon Kittredge. 

February 27, 1781, enlisted for three years or for the war, and remained 
in active service until some time in 1783. At the time of his discharge he was 
in Captain Isaac Frye's company of the First New Hampshire Regiment, 
Continental line. For a time he was in the same company as Joel and 
Daniel Holt. 

On this enlistment he was credited to Mason, N. H. 

After Barrett's death his widow, Mercy, applied for a pension and for 
some reason failed to get it. After her death their only surviving child, John 
Barrett, of Stoddard, in the year 1852, revived the application, apparently 
in behalf of his mother's estate. 

As a rule pension applications give very meagre details, but in this case 
there are several long affidavits which make up in quantity what perhaps they 
lack in quality. A few extracts may be interesting. 

James Withee, of Mason, says he is 92 years old; that he knew Nathaniel 
Barrett in Mason when he was a boy and remembers that the father of this 
one was also called Nathaniel. "Barrett was in a company that went a 
great way oflf, south or west. I remember I have heard him and a Mr. Smith 
tell afterwards how they were crossing a river on logs, and both fell in and 
Barrett came very near drowning, but Smith kept above the water easily. It 
was a great way off that he and Smith fell into the water. I think that he 
(Barrett) was at the battle of Bunker Hill and I know he was in the army 
after that." 

Jonathan Bachelder, of Mason, says he knew Nathaniel Barrett, having 
frequently seen him at Mason "with wooden bowls, trays, etc., which he had 
made at Nelson and brought from there upon his back," and that he had the 
reputation of having been a Revolutionary soldier. 

Nathaniel Smith, of Mason, says he has repeatedly been at the house of 
Nathaniel Barrett in Nelson, and that it was very near Stoddard line. "He 

46 



had connections in Mason and I have often seen him in that town. He used 
often to bring articles which he had manufactured from wood at Nelson, 
and I remember I have seen a mortar which he had made from a knot for 
liis sister, Mrs. Baldwin, now Mrs. Proctor." * * * "Have sat by the 
hour and heard his stories of the war. I recollect this: Ho was put upon 
guard one nipht at a fort from which the sentinel had been picked off every 
night for several niphts. He put his great coot and hat upon a stake and 
kept one side of the usual place. He kept his gun cocked and at last there 
was a flash and a report from the bushes near. He fired where he saw the 
flash and the next morning a dead Indian was found on the spot. I remember 
to have heard him speak of being at the Bunker Hill Fight. I have heard 
him say that some time or other in the war he enlisted for three years. 
I have always understood that he lived at Mason previous to the war, 
and during or after the war that his home was at ^lilford or Amherst, after 
the war until he removed to Nelson." 

Relief Barrett, of Stoddard, says that her maiden name was Relief 
Stevens. That she knew Nathaniel Barrett very well and often heard him 
"tell the story of his services in the War of the Revolution. That he used to 
say he was in Captain Frye's Company; that he served until the end of the 
war and boasted of it. That her father Daniel Stevens was also a soldier 
and he and Barrett used to recite often; that she used to listen to the tales 
and distinctly remembers." 

Isaac White, of Nelson, says he knew Nathaniel and Mercy Barrett from 
his youth, and continues: "My father was a Revolutionary soldier and I 
have often heard him and Barrett talk of hardships, trials and services which 
they endured. I have heard Nathaniel Barrett say that he was in Captain 
Isaac Frje's Company and speak of being in other companies, but I do not 
remember the name of any oflScer except Captain Frj-e. I recollect of hearing 
Nathaniel Barrett t<?ll a story* as follows: That he was in ser^-ice in war of the 
Revolution, when with a party of Americans he went onto what I think he 
called Hog Island, for the puri>ose of stealing from the British a lot of 
cattle and horses. That they collecte<l horses and cattle in the night time and 
were about crossing Mystic River when they were alarmed by the British and 
in the hurrj- and confusion said Barrett was left a little behind and barely 
escaped by plunging into the river. He seized a colt by the tail, and by the 
grace of Gf>d and the efforts of the colt he was carried safely across and saved 
from the enemy. Barrett could not swim. I have heard him relate many 
other incidents." 

John Wilson, of Stoddard, says he was a neighbor of Nathaniel and 
INfercy Barrett, and "he further declares that he has often heard the Old Gen- 
tleman Nathaniel rejx^at the story of his service and hardships in the war of 
the Revolution. That he cannot distinctly recollect the nanies of officers whom 
he named, but well remembers his saying that he served to the end of the 
war; that he never heard it doubted among the iK»ople. That said Nathaniel 
Barrett ever had the rei)utation of being a warrior and was so talked of 
among the boys." 

Moses Day of Nelson says he knew Nathaniel and Mercy Barrett, and 
their son, Jolm, and daughter, Hannah, and that there were three other sons 

47 



and one other daughter, all of whom are dead, except John Barrett of Stod- 
dard. 

Sybil Proctor of Mason, SC years old, widow of Joseph Proctor of Mason, 
a Revolutionary soldier, and a sister of !N^athaniel Barrett, says : "I had three 
brothers, Nathaniel, Reuben and Isaac, who were in the Revolutionary War. 
Nathaniel enlisted at the commencement of the war for a few months. "Was 
at the battle of Bunker Hill. He was about this time living a part of the 
time at Mason and a part of the time at what is now Milford, — in Amherst 
then. He had married a girl by the name of Mercy Cummings, two or three 
years before the war. He married her in Massachusetts somewhere. I am 
very sure it was at Old Andover, but it might have been at Hatfield or Shrews^ 
bury. He was at work in different places in Massachusetts. He came home 
not long after he was married. 

In a few months after the Bunker Hill fight he came home; he came from 
the army and when he went away he was going to the army. I have also some 
recollection that when he started for Cambridge at first, he started with my 
older brothers from Mason, and that afterwards he started with a company 
from Amherst. 

I remember also very distinctly conversations that I have heard him have 
with a Dr. Gray, who lived in this town after the war, about a service that 
they were upon in Ohio during the war. Our army had got nearly starved 
out and the captains of the different companies picked some men to go and 
to find something to eat, and Nathaniel was taken with others. They had to 
cross a large river, — had to carry their guns ready to fire much of the way, 
fearing the Indians. They found some cattle, and when they were driving 
them to camp and had come to the river it had begvm to rain. It was just at 
night and they did not dare to cross. They had to lay on their guns all night 
to keep them dry, and in the morning they drove the cattle across and forded 
the river themselves, carrying their guns as high above their heads as they 
could to keep them dry. They got the cattle to the army. 

I have often heard him speak of the smoky bread and horse meat they had 
to eat during the time mentioned above. 

I have been at the house of my brother Nathaniel, both in Milford or 
Amherst, and at Nelson (Pecker Nelson as we used to call it). I think he 
lived in Milford three or four years after the war before he removed to Nelson. 

He used to make wooden mortars, bowls, trays and other dishes. I have 
a mortar which he brought me from Nelson, made of a knot which he said 
would last me as long as I lived. He used to bring some on his back, almost 
every time he came to Mason. He took a hard way to get a living. I remem- 
ber his coming once to Mason and having helped at reaping ; he took the grain 
he received for pay upon his shoulders to Nelson. 

The bulls ran do\ni a hill, dragging him by a chain which got hitched 
some how onto his leg in such a way that a cord was torn out and he was 
lame always afterwards. His son Nathaniel helped him much. 

He had a shock of Palsey when he was doing something to the roof of his 
house. They said it was hard work to get him down. 

I think the names of his children were Nathaniel, John, Phineas, Hannah 
and Nabby. I don't remember the names of the two who died young." 

48 



General Griffin, in his sketch of the early history of the town, tells another 
interesting story of Barrett's trip from Peterlx)ro, with tlie quarter of beef. 

He died September 13, 1S2C, and was buried at Nelson in the cemetery of 
the Town Common. His grave stone states that his age was 84 years 5 months 
and 5 days. 

SAMUEL BASSETT. 

Born in Xorton, Mass., March 1st, 1754. In 1775, was living at Keene, 
N. H. According to his pension declaration, dated October 7th, 1S33, con- 
firmed by the Xew Hampshire Rolls, his record was as follows, viz: 

1. Marched from Keene to Cambridge on the Lexington Alarm, April, 
1775. 

2. About April 23rd, 1775, enlisted as fifer for eight months in Captain 
Jeremiah Stiles' Company of Colonel John Stark's Regiment. Soon after 
the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775, at which he is said to have been 
slightly wounded, he was transferred to Colonel Paul Dudley Sargeant's Regi- 
ment, where he served out the rest of his time and was discharged at Cam- 
bridge. December 31, 1775. 

3. May 7, 1777, enlisted from Keene, X. H., in Captain Davis Howlet's 
Company of Colonel Bellow's Regiment. Marched to Mount Independence 
near Fort Ticonderoga. Was stationed there until the Continental troops 
arrived. Discharged June 17. 1777. Enlisted as ordinary private, but acted 
as fifer. 

May possibly also have been the Samuel Bassett appearing in a Roll dated 
September 22, 1776, of Captain John Houghton's Company in Colonel Bald- 
win's Regiment, destined for Xow York. Length of service not shown. 

Came to Packersfield about 1787, and resided at the foot of "Bassett Hill," 
in what is now Roxbury. "Was living there at time of census of 1790. and for 
several years thereafter. 

Died in Keene, K H., November 8, 1834. • 

AARON BEAL. 

Bom probably in Natick, Mass., April 3, 1741. 

One of the earliest settlers of Monadnock No. 6, coming not later than 
1772. His name appears on a petition for a special meeting of "proprietors," 
which was held June 10, 1773. 

In 1774 had 12 acres cleared. 15 more cut over and had erected a "pole 
house." which he occupied with his family. 

In April, 1776, signed the "Association Test," and at a Town ^[eeting held 
September 17, 1776, was chosen a memljer of the "Committee of Safety." 

May 6, 1776, was a member of Captain Josiah Browns Company from 
Colonel Enoch Hale's Regiment of Militia that marched to Ticonderoga to 
reinforce the Continental Army at that place. In service 38 days. 

In the same year was ekx-ted a Lieutenant and is given that title in the 
iMJnutes of a To^vn ^Meeting held August 5, 1777, at which he and "Lieutenant" 
Abijah Brown were chosen town constables. 

He lived on the old road running from Corban Farwell's to Mrs. Hough- 
ton's on a farm that some fifty years ago was owned by James Chase. 

Is said to have died in 1S20. 

40 



WILLIAM BEAL. 

One of the earliest settlers of Monadnock Xo. 6, coming prior to 1772. 

In the record of a Tovra Meeting held September 13, 1774, there is men- 
tion of a road "laid out from William Beal's corn mill at the mouth of Pleas- 
ant Pond." 

"Pleasant Pond" was afterwards named "Breed Pond," for Dr. Xathaniel 
Breed. 

Beal signed the Association Test in April, 177G. 

A William Beal and also a William Beal, Jr., appear in the United States 
Census of Packersfield in 1790. 

HEXRY BEMIS. 

Born in W^eston, Mass., January 28, 1750, or '51. One of the early settlers 
of Monadnock ISTo. 6 prior to 1773. 

One of the town officers of Packersfield elected at first town meeting 
March 15, 1774. He then had three acres cleared, two more cut over and a 
"pole" house. 

Probably one of the twenty-seven men who, under Lieut. Abijah Brown, 
marched from Packersfield in response to the Lexington Alarm. 

Enlisted April 21, 1775, for eight months in Captain Jeremiah Stiles' 
Company of Colonel Paul Dudley Sergeant's Regiment. Was at Bunker Hill 
June 17, 1775. (See Samuel Griffin.) 

Signer of the "Association Test" in Packersfield April, 1776. 

In Captain Josiah Parker's Company raised out of Colonel Enoch Hale's 
Regiment that joined the Northern Army at Ticonderoga in July, 1776. 

In Captain James Lewis' Company in Colonel Enoch Hale's Regiment 
that marched from the State of New Hampshire and joined the Continental 
Army at Rhode Island in August, 1778. (See Timothy Bancroft.) 

Lived on the Seth Kingsbury place in what is now Roxbury. 

Died in Littleton, N. H., June 24, 1833. 

DAVID BEARD. 

Born August 6, 1746. 

Sergeant in Captain Cadwallader Ford, Jr.'s Company of Colonel Ebenezer 
Bridge's Regiment, which marched from Wilmington, Mass., to Concord on 
the Alarm of April 19, 1775 ; service twenty-one days ; reported as belonging to 
"Train Band" from March 9, 1775, to June 30, 1775 ; also she vvn on receipt for 
wages dated Maj- 6, 1776, given to Captain Ford; also in list of men who per- 
formed tours of service in the Crown Point Expedition in July, 1776 ; also in 
Captain Ford's Company of Colonel Eleazer Brooks' Regiment of Guards; 
enlisted November 5, 1777; rolls made up to April 3, 1778; at Fort No. 2, Cam- 
bridge, guarding "troops of convention," i. e., Burgoyne's surrendered army; 
also shown in muster rolls for December, 1777, and January, 1778. 

Came to Packersfield about 1778. 

General Griffin in his reminiscences wrote this of him: "David Beard was 
at the battle of Concord. * * * About the time of the breaking out of 
the war a proposition was made to the inhabitants by the British to return 
to their allegiance on certain conditions. Their agent who visited this town 

50 



wns a ^Ir. Grir^woUl, of Keone, and a inoetinp was called to consider the 
liroposition. A speech was made by ^Ir. Beard, in which he denounced 
the whole scheme, saying to the a^ent, 'Pen and ink can't draw the conditions 
that we would sipn.' " 

This must have occurred a little later than the General suppe^•ts. but there 
is no reason to doubt the substantial truth of the stor>'. Several such pacifi- 
cation efforts were made, the most important and probably the one referred 
to, being in the latter part of 1778. 

Died, probably in Xelson, in 1836. 

BENJAMIN BIGELOW. 

Almost certainly one of the twenty-seven men who, under Lieut. Abijah 
Brown, on April 21, 1775, marched from Packersfield for Cambridtre on the 
Lexington Alarm. 

Enlisted in April, 1775, for eight months in Captain Abijah Wymau's 
Company in Colonel William Prescott's Regiment. At the Battle of Bunker 
Hill, fighting at the ''redoubt," wounded and taken prisoner. Died soon after 
in Boston. 

See "New Hampshire men at Bunker Hill," by George C. Gilinniu ^fan- 
chester, N. H., 1899. 

JONATHAN BLODGETT. 

Born March 6, 1756. Son of Joliatiian. wiio during the war. lived in 
Jaffrey, N. H. . 

In Captain Joseph Parker's Company raised out of Colonel Enoch Hale's 
Regiment that joined the Northern Army at Ticonderoga. Mustered and 
paid July 18, 1776. 

In Captain Salmon Stone's Company in Colonel Nicoll's Regiment, Stark's 
Brigade, raised out of the Fifteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Militia, 
Enoch Hale. Colonel, which Company marched from Rindge in said State and 
joined the Northern Continental Army at Beimington and Stillwater. From 
July -21 to September 26, 1777. At battle of Bennington August IG, 1777. 
(See Richard Farwell.) 

In Captain Samuel Twitchell's Company in Colonel Enoch Hale's Regi- 
ment of Volunteers, which marched from New Hampshire and joined the Con- 
tinental Army in Rhode Island in August, 1778, August 10th to August 28th. 

General Griffin says that he was in Packersfield as early as 1777, and 
•"lived on the place afterwards owned by Hills Scripture, near the Reuben 
Tarbox place, and afterwards between the road leading to Gilman Griffin's and 
the one to Philip Atwood's." 

He seems to have been considerable of a wanderer, and is reported to have 
lived in a number of other towns, among them JaflPrey. N. H. ; Rockingham, 
Vt.. and Betiiel, !N[aine. The place last named is the one to which Absalom 
Karwell and Eleazer Twitchell emigrated. 

SALMON BLODGETT. 

Born in Lexington, Mass., April 21.st, 176(5. Son of Josiah Blodgett, who 
iu 1755 had been a soldier in the French and Indian War. 



Hayward's History of Hancock, page 351, says that Salmon came to Han- 
cock from Sunderland, Mass., with his father in 17S6, and that at the age of 
fifteen he had enlisted in the Continental Army; was at one time a member of 
Washington's lifeguards, "and when he carried dispatches for the General he 
was on his return treated with wine." 

Mr. Hayward further says that Blodgett, after moving to Dublin, thence 
to New York, to Weston, Vt., and Acworth, N". H., finally came to Nelson, 
where he died. 

The only Salmon Blodgett, whose name appears in the Massachusetts 
Eolls, now on file, enlisted April 1, 1781, for three years, "Age, 16 years; 
stature, 5 ft. 3 in.; complexion, light; hair, light; eyes, blue; occupation, 
laborer; residence, Woburn." He was assigned to Captain Benjamin Pike's 
Company of Colonel Nixon's, afterwards Colonel Calvin Smith's Regiment, 
Sixth Massachusetts Continental Line. 

This is probably applicable. (See Hudson's History of Lexington, vol. 2, 
page 38.) Sixteen was the legal age of enlistment, but that did not prevent 
many who were only fourteen or fifteen getting in by saying they were sixteen. 
(See David Kimball, Samuel Scripture, Jr., and Thomas K. Breed.) ' As a 
matter of fact. Young Blodgett lacked three weeks of being fifteen when he 
enlisted. 
JOHN BOYNTON. 

Probably Fifer, in Captain Elisha Mack's Company in Colonel Moses 
Nichol's Regiment, of General Stark's Brigade, which company marched from 
the State of New Hampshire and joined the Northern Continental Army at 
Saratoga, September 22, 1777. Service, 2 months. 

Quite likely much more service. 

Living in Packersfield prior to 1785. First settled on the farm now o\\Tied 
by Dr. E. N. Hardy. Said to have been a blacksmith. 

Died in Nelson, December 29, 1807, and buried in cemetery on Town 
Common. 

ALLEN BREED. 

Born in Marblehead, ]\[ass., July 14, 1759. Son of Josiah and nephew of 
Dr. Nathaniel Breed. 

The following account of him is extracted from "A Record of the Descend- 
ants of Allen Breed who came to America from England in 1630", by J. 
Howard Breed. 

"At the age of sixteen he enlisted in the army and advanced to the rank 
of Lieutenant. During his boyhood in Marblehead the tovm was on fire 
with patriotic enthusiasm. "When the exciting times of 1775 came, his father 
enlisted at Lynn, his uncle Nathaniel and his cousin John at Nelson, N. H. 
He went to New Ipswich and when his cousin Allen enlisted, he also joined 
the same company and continued to serve in the army for the next five years. 
jBetween the 1st and 15th of November, 1775, he entered the service for 
six weeks under the command of Captain Eleazer Cummings, and marched 
directly to Cambridge, Mass., where they were stationed in Fort No. 2. 
After remaining one week they were taken by order of General Putnam to 
Lechmore Point to commence the erection of another fort. At the close 
of the first day's "tatoo" the British, who were occupying Fox Hill Fort in 



Boston, cannonaded them with shot and shell, but did not prevent the com- 
pletion of the fort^ * « ♦ About the first of February, 1776, he reenlisted for 
two months at the camp in Cambridge mider Captain Goodale, marching 
for Prospect Hill, and was present at Coble Hill, one mile below, when the 
Americans ''bursted" a brass mortar, captured by the ship Mauley Piere. 
The morning following the evacuation of Boston, about March, 1776, he 
obtained permission to visit friends in that place. * * * 

In July, 1776, he volunteered at Xew Ipswich under Capt. Joseph Parker 
for five months; was mustered in at Jeffrey and rendezvoused at Charlestown 
Xo. 4. At the latter place the company crossed the Connecticut river on 
their way to Skeenboro, X. Y., and Fort Independence at Ticonderoga, X. Y., 
where they were employed in getting out lumber in the mountain to build 
row galleys for service on Lake Chaniplain. * * * 

From April to July, 1777, the town of Xew Ipswich was in a constant 
-tate of alarm. The rapid advance of Gen. Burgoyne aroused the fears of 
tlie Colonists, and calls for more troops were frequently made. Early in 
July Capt. Stephen Parker enlisted a large company. The first two names 
on the payroll are the cousins Allen Breed and Allen Breed, Jr. * * * 
This company was in General Stark's Brigade. Allen Breed was with others 
detailed to assist in driving cattle to Stillwater, X. Y., for the subsistence 
of the army assembling to oppose Burgoyne. They returned just in time 
to be with their company in the battle of Bennington. During the night 
of the battle they assisted in guarding the Hessian prisoners who were con- 
fined in the Bennington Meeting House. * * * Soon after this the company 
marched to Saratoga where Breed remained until the expiration of his 
enlistment. 

In June, 17S0, he was one of six taken by a Corporal from Xew Ipswich 
to Winchester, wher* he was mustered in. He then marched to Litchfield, 
Conn. ; next to West Point, X. Y., to be attached to the Company of Capt. 
Cherry in the Regiment of Col. Courtland. and the division imder the com- 
mand of General La Fayette. His regiment with two others was sent to a 
place called Herrington, X. J., where an expedition was organized under 
Gen. La Fayette to capture Staten Island. Xear Elizabeth, X. J., the boats 
were so much injured as to cause their return to the tents at Herrington. 
Breed was soon after stationed at Fort Lee on the Hudson River, from which 
place he was detailed with others to Bergen, X. J., to drive off the cattle, 
horses, etc., so as to prevent them from falling into the hands of the British 
who occupied Xew York on the opposite shore. » * * 

He was very thin and spare, and was a carpenter by trade. 

As soon as he was discharged, married in July, 17&1, Lucy Taylor, and came 
to Packersfield. where hisJfirst child Josiah was born, April 25, 17S2. Between 
then and li>02. ten other children followed. 

Lf»cated on the "Xoah Robbins" place in the west part of the town. 

With Samuel Cummings and Archelus Wilson built the *'Xew" Meeting 
House on the Town Common. 

Was active in public matters as long as he lived in town. 

About 1806, went to Fultonville, Montgomery County, Xew York, to live 
with his daughter Mehitabel. Later he removed to Stafford. X. Y., where 
he died April 2, 1S42. 

58 



JOn^^ BEEED. 

Born at Eastham, Mass., October 15, 1757; son of Dr. Natlianiel Breed; 
brother of Thomas K. and Xathaniel, Jr. ; came to Monadnock Xo. 6 (after- 
wards Packersfield and Nelson) with his father about 1767. 

"The Descendants of Allen Breed" states that young John, "volunteered 
on the 20th day of April, 1775, in the afternoon, under Lieutenant Abijah 
Brown, and marched from Packersfield to Lexington, and thence to Boston." 
His father. Dr. Breed, went with the party. 

May 20th, 1775, he enlisted for eight months in Capt. Ezra Town's Com- 
pany of Colonel James Eeed's Regiment. In the Muster Roll in the office 
of the Secretary of State at Boston his description is "Born, Lynn ; age, 19 ; 
place of abode, Packersfield; occupation, farmer; height, 5 ft. 3 in.; com- 
plexion, fair; color of eyes, light." 

He was at the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. 

For an account of it, see Samuel Griffin who was in the same company. 

Breed had his hat knocked off by a musket ball, and another struck his 
"cartouch" box, passing through between the covering and the wood. After 
the retreat he was detailed from the company, and went under Lieut. Josiah 
Brown with the wounded to Medford. He remained with the regiment until 
January 1, 1776. 

In June, 1776, went to Cambridge and enlisted for five months under 
Capt. Warren of Cambridge, Mass., in Col. Wlieelock's Mass. Regiment, and 
marched to Ticonderoga, X. Y., remaining until his terra expired, engaged 
in scouting, fortifying and skirmishing. 

In September, 1777, volunteered and marched to Saratoga, and Fort 
Edward; was engaged mostly in scouting parties and was on the opposite 
side of the river when Burgoyne surrendered. 

July 7, 1780, enlisted for six months under Captain Benjamin Spaulding, 
Colonel Moses Xichols' Regiment, and marched to the Xorth River and was 
stationed at Fishkill, and at West Point. While Gen. Benedict Arnold was 
in command he was detailed, one of sixteen, to guard six hundred head of 
cattle at Robinson's farm, and at Camp Pond, during which time 150 British 
horsemen advanced to capture the guard and cattle, but the Yankees were 
too quick for them, and saved themselves and the cattle. 

His brother Thomas K. Breed, Xoah Hardy and other Packersfield men, 
were in the same company. 

Afterwards settled on the "Abijah Brown" place on the hill, near the 
old lead mine east of the place first settled by Dr. Breed, later known as the 
residence of Horatio Osgood and now owned by Mr. Charles H. Osgood. 

Is said to have removed, in 1828, to "Sandy Creek." 

DR. XATHAXIEL BREED. 

Born in Lynn, Mass., July 25, 1727. 

Came to Monadnock Xo. 6 (afterwards Packersfield, and Xelson) in 1767, 
and was the first permanent settler within present limits of town. First 
located on what was later known as the Horatio Osgood place (which he sold 
to Samuel Ciunmings in 1782), and later on what is now known as the Well- 
ington Seaver place, near the outlet of what was then known as "Pleasant 
Pond," subsequently called, after him, "Breed" Pond. 

5i 



His daughter Abigail, bora June IG, 1709, was the first child baptized in 
town, and his daughter Anne, born January 30, 1773, was the first person 
baptized in the first meeting house at the first service held therein in July, 
1773. 

In 1774 had thirty acres cleared, ten more cut over and liad erected a 
"Double Pole House." 

Was the most respected and influential citizen in town for many years. 

At a town meeting held April 18, 1775, the day before Lexington, was 
elected Town Clerk and Chairman of the Committee on Correspondence, with 
Eleazer Twitchell, and Joseph Stanhope as colleagues, and also n member of 
the **Committee of Safety to put the resolves of the American Congress in 
force," his colleagues being Amos Skinner and Lieut. Abijah Brown. 

Was one of the 27 men who marched from Packersfield to Cambridge 
April 21, 1775, on the Lexington Alarm. His son John was anotlier of the 
party. 

ilay 9, 1775, was chos^en delegate to the Provincial Congress at E.xeter, 
his colleague being Eleazer Twitchell. 

June 27, 1775. was commissioned Surgeon's Mate in Colonel James Reed's 
Xew Hampshire Kegiment before Boston. Heilman's Historical Register of 
Officers of the Continental Army states he was also Surgeon's Mate of the 
Second New Hampshire Continental line from January 1 to December 31, 
177G, and later Surgeon of Xew Hampshire State Troops and Militia. 

Signer of tlie Association Test in April, 1776. 

March 4, 1778, elected Delegate to Convention at Concord "for forming a 
Plan of Government." 

Represented Packersfield and Stoddard in the Fourth General Court held 
at Exeter, Deceml)er 10, 1778, to November 19, 1779. 

Represented Packersfield and Stoddard in the Fifth General Court held 
at Exeter, December 15, 1779, to November 11, 1780. 

Died in Nelson, November 5th, 1810, aged 83 years, and w.as buried in 
the cemetery on the Town Common. 

NATHANIEL BREED, Ju. 

Born in Eastham, Mass., June 4th. 1753. Came to !Monadnock No. 6 
with his father in 1707. 

In 1774 had 10 acres cleared, 4 cut ovit. Then living with his father. 

Signer of the Association Test in April, 1776. 

Enlisted from Packersfield !May 2, 1782, in the Continental Army for 
three years or during the war. 

Said to have removed to some place in New York. 

THOMAS K. BREED. 

Born in Sudbury, :Mass., April H), 1701. The son of Dr. Nathaniel 
and brother of John and Nathaniel, Jr. Came to Monadnock No. 6 (after- 
wards Packersfield and Nelson) with his father in 1707. 

From his iHjnsion declaration, vi-rified the 22nd day of Februarj', 1833. 
confirmed bv tlu- Xrw Hninn-liirf r«-lls. it appears that he nudind >. rvi.-o 
as follows: 



1. In the latter part of November, 1775, when only fourteen years of age, 
went to Winter Hill, outside of Boston, and there enlisted for one year in 
Captain Ezra Town's Company of Colonel James Eoed's Regiment. His 
brother John was a member of the same company, and his father was at the 
same time Surgeon's Mate of the Regiment. 

Boston was captured March 17, 177G, and most of the troops marched for 
New York. Breed was, however, detailed to the hospital to assist his father 
and remained there until April 10, 1776, when he hired a substitute, John 
Varnum of Dracut. 

2. He was a member of the company commanded by Captain John Mellin, 
which marched from Fitzwilliam and adjacent towns, to reinforce the garrison 
at Ticonderoga in June, 1777. The expedition turnfed back on account of 
the evacuation of the fort. 

3. To quote his own words, ''In July, 1777, the town of Packersfield being 
required to furnish a certain number of men for the army, he volunteered, 
and immediately after went to New Marlborough, where they mustered, and 
he was put into a company under Captain Salmon Stone. From thence they 
marched to Manchester, Vermont, where he was attached to Colonel Nichols' 
Regiment. From Manchester they marched to Bennington, where they were 
attached to General Stark's brigade. Was in the battle at that place August 
16, 1777. There he served out the remainder of his enlistment and was 
regularly discharged." 

Service from July 21st to September 25th. 

4. Finally, was a member of Captain Benjamin Spaulding's Company in 
Colonel Moses Nichols' Regiment, raised by the State of New Hampshire 
that joined the Continental Army at West Point. From July 7 to October 
21, 1780. 

Died in Antrim, N. H., February 2, 1849. 

ISAAC BREWER. 

Believed to be the Isaac Brewer who was born in Tyringham, Berkshire 
County, Mass., August 1, 1762, son of Joseph and Jane, and who, 

May 15, 1778, enlisted from Tyringham in Captain Enoch Noble's Com- 
pany of Colonel Ezra Wood's Regiment. Discharged February 7, 1779. 
Service eight months and twenty-eight days at Peekskill, New York. 

Living in Packersfield at the time of the first U. S. Census in 1790. Said 
to have located on the farm now occupied by Hon. T. W. Barker. 

JONAS BRIGHAM. 

Born in Sudbury, Mass., May 22, 1758. 

Enlisted from Sudbury, August 17, 1777, in Captain Jonathan Rice's 
Company of Colonel Samuel Bullard's Regiment. Service three months and 
twenty-four days with the Northern Army. 

Came to Packersfield about 1789 and settled on farm south of the Blood 
place in Harrisville. Removed to Dublin. 

GEORGE BRINTNALL. 

Moderator of Town Meeting in Packersfield, April 4, 1777, which adopted 
Presentment against Major Breed Batchelder. 

56 



Enlisted from Packersfield for Continental service May 13, 1777. Hired 
by Colonel Samuel Folsoni and mustered and paid by Eliphalet Giddings, 
Muster Master. (See New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. 14, page 602). The 
regiment in which he served this enlistment is not given. 

Member of Committee of Safety elected August 5, 1777, his colleagues 
being Captain Eleazer Twitchell, Seth Cobb, Shadrach Hill, and Jonathan 
Drury. 

March 1, 177S, enlisted for one year in Captain Benjamin Stone's Company, 
afterwards Captain McGregore's Company, Third New Hampshire Continental 
Line, and was discharged March 1, 1779. 

Probably the George Brintnall, who as Corporal, responded to the Lexington 
Alarm, April 19, 1775, from Mansfield, Mass., in Captain Samuel White's 
Company of Colonel John Daggett's Eegiment, and December 10, 1776, 
enlisted from Mansfield under Lieut. Ebenezer Brintnall. Service about 
three months; nature not stated. 

ABU AH BROWN. 

One of the earliest settlers. Said to come from Bedford, Mass. Located 
east of Dr. Nathaniel Breed, near the old lead mine. See anecdotes by 
General Griffin in his sketch of the Early History of the town. 

Li 1774 had 24 acres cleared, 20 more cut over and a %oard house" 
which was occupied by himself and family, his wife being a daughter of 
Dr. Nathaniel Breed. 

Lieutenant of Militia in 1774. 

January 20, 1775, chosen member of the Committee on Correspondence, 
his colleagues being John LeBourveau and Major Breed Batchelder. 

Member of Committee of Safety, chosen April 18, 1775, the day before 
Lexington, his colleagues being Amos Skinner and Dr. Nathaniel Breed. 

April 21, 1775, in command of party of twenty-seven men that marched 
from Packersfield to Cambridge on the Lexington Alarm. 

September 25, 1775, elected member of the Committee on Inspection, his 
colleagues being Eleazer Twiteliell, Benjamin Nurse, John French and Amos 
Skinner. 

Signer of the Association Test in April, I77tl. 

Member of Captain Jonathan Brockway's Company in Colonel Enoch 
Hale's Regiment that, on the Ticonderoga Alarm marched July 13, 1777, 
as far as Otter Creek, Vt., wliere they met the American Army retreiiting. 

JOHN BROWN. 

Elected Town Clerk and First Selectman of Packersfield, August 5, 1777. 

R(H;ruited from Packersfield in June, 177ti, by Colonel Enoch Hale, out 
of his Regiment of Militia, for Continental service in Rhode Island. Enlisted 
June 18, 177S. Discharged January 4, 1779. In Captain Samuel Dearborn's 
Company of Colonel Stei)hen Peabody's Regiment. 

Probably i)erformed other sen-ice but the name is so common that identity 
is doi'btful where residence ia not given in the record. 

AMOS BRYANT. 

Bom in Reading', -^lu-.-., .^i jin n r 17. i.."i. ijri'iiuT "i .iaiiw- hryiiiit. 

third in descent from Abraham Bryant, one of the earliest settlers of Reading. 

57 



In Captain John Bacheller's Company of Colonel Ebenezer Bridge's 
Regiment of Minute 'Men that marched from Reading on the Lexington 
Alarm, April 19, 1775, and engaged the retreating British at Merriam's 
Corner. (See John Burnap.) 

In Bryant's pension declaration, among other things, he says: 

"In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, 
in the month of April, I enlisted as a private soldier in the Continental 
Army in the United States of America, at Cambridge, in the province of 
Massachusetts, under Capt. Bachelder, in a Regiment commanded by Colonel 
Bridge, for eight months, and served my time and received an honorable 
discharge. 

I returned home, stayed about a month, and enlisted again for one year, 
under Captain William Grant (?) in a regiment commanded by Col. John 
Greaton, and in that marched to New York and from that to Ticonderoga, 
and from that down the river to (illegible) and so, from place to place, until 
my time was out again. I was honorably discharged at Morristown in the 
Jerseys. 

After which in the year 1778 in the month of June, I again enlisted for 
nine months into the Continental Army, in the Massachusetts line, and joined 
the army at Peekskill, in New York, in General McDougal's Brigade, and 
served my time and again received an honorable discharge. 

I was in the battle of Concord at the commencement of the war." 

Came to Packersfield probably about 1800. Settled on the north side of 
Tolman Pond on the farm now owned by Wayland P. Tolman. His sons 
Francis and Palmer subsequently carried on the tannery business there. 

Died in Nelson, August 12, 1833, at the age of 77, and is buried in the 
cemetery on the To^vn Common. 

JAMES BRYANT. 

Born in Reading, Mass., October 25, 1748. A brother of Amos Bryant. 
They were in the third generation from Abraham Bryant, one of the first 
settlers of Reading. 

In Captain John Bacheller's Company of Colonel Ebenezer Bridge's Regi- 
ment of Minute Men that marched from Reading on the Lexington Alarm, 
April 19, 1775, and engaged the retreating British at Merriam's corner. 
Service 11 days. (See John Burnap and Amos Bryant.) 

Probably did other service, which cannot with certainty be identified, as 
there were apparently others with the same name. 

Came to Packersfield in 1785 or 1786. Located on the farm where Chauncey 
Barker subsequently lived. Taxed in to^\Ti as late as 1813. 

SOLOMON BUCKMINSTER. 

Born February 19, 1754. 

At the time of the war living in Rutland, Mass. 

In Captain David Bent's Company of Colonel Nathan Sparhawk's Regi- 
ment, detached August 20, 1777, and marched from Rutland to Bennington 
on an Alarm. Probably other service. 

Settled in Packersfield in 1787. 

58 



When tlie town of lloxburj- was incorporated in 1812, was Chairman of 
the first Board of Solcctnieu, aiul subsequently chosen its first representative 
to the legislature. 

JOIIX BURNAP. 

Born in Beading, Mass., June 23, 1744; married there December 2-1, 
17U7, Mary Hay ward; and living there in 1775. 

A John Burnap, probably he, was a member of Captain John Bacheller's 
Company of Colonel Ebenezer Bridge's Kegiment, that marched from Reading 
on the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775, and engaged the enemy retreating 
from Concord. (See William Barker.) 

Amos Bryant and his brother James Bryant were in the same company. 

The British left Concord at noon and for about a mile were unmolested. 
Then, reaching "Merriam's Corner," they encountered the Reading minutemen 
and there began the real battle of the 19th of April. 

The Reverend Edmund Foster, of Reading, a fiery young man, went 
along with his parishioners, in Captain Bacheler's Company, and afterwards, 
in a letter to Lemuel Shattuck of Concord, he told what happened, — "A 
little before we came to Merriam's Hill, we discovered the enemy's flank 
guard of about eighty or a hundred men, who, on the retreat from Concord, 
kept the height of land, the main body being in the road. The British 
troops and the Americans at that time were equally distant from Merriam's 
Corner. About twenty rods short of that place the Americans made a halt. 
The British marched down the hill with very slow but steady step, without 
music or a word being spoken that could be heard. Silence reigned on 
both sides. As soon as the British gained the main road and passed a small 
bridge near the corner, they faced about suddenly and fired a volley of 
musketry upon us. They overshot, and no one to my knowledge was 
injured by the fire. The fire was immediately returned by the Americans, 
and two British soldiers fell dead at a little distance from each other in 
the road near the brook. The battle now began, and was carried on with little 
<.r no military discipline or order on the part of the Americans, during the 
remainder of the day. Each sought his own place and opportunity to attack 
and annoy the enemy from behind trees, rocks, fences and buildings, as 
seemed convenient. We saw a wood at a distance which apiJcared to be on 
or near the road, where the enemy must pass. Many leaped over the walls 
and made for that wood. We arrived ju-st in time to meet the enemy. There 
"•as on the opiHJsite side of the road a young growth of wood filled with 
Auu'ricans. The enemy were now completely between two fires, renewed 
aiid briskly kept up. They ordered out a Hank guard on the left to dislodge 
the Americans from their ixjsts behind the trees; but they only became 
better marks to be shot at. A short but sharp contest ensued, in which 
the enemy received more deadly injury than at any other place from Concord 
to Charleston." 

Burnap seems to have followed them all the way, for on April 24th at 
I ambridgc, John Burnap of Reading eiUisted for eight months in Captain 
John Bacheller's Company of Colonel Ebenezer Bridge's Regiment. His 
name appears on Rolls dated August 1st, and September 25th. and doubtless 
he served out his term. 



The rolls, both in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, show other military 
service by a John Burnap, but as the residence is not given the identity is 
uncertain. There were many Burnaps in Reading, and some evidence that 
there were two Johns. 

Coming to Packersfield soon after the war, he settled north of the present 
village on the farm now owned by Mr. Patrick. Died in Nelson, May 23, 
1815, and is buried in the cemetery on the old Town Common. 

JOHN BUXTON. 

Born in Beading, Mass., in 173-1. At the time of the war living in 
Wilton, N. H. 

April 23, 1775, enlisted as Corporal for eight months in Captain Benjamin 
Mann's Company of Colonel James Reed's Regiment. At Bunker Hill, 
June 17, 1775. In the same company were Samuel Scripture, Sr., Samuel 
Scripture, Jr., John Stroud, and Edmund Taylor. Paid by the State of 
New Hampshire for a gun lost in the engagement. 

Came to Packersfield about 1791. A Town Officer in 1792. Settled in 
North part near Stoddard line on place now owned by Mr. Chester L. Towne. 

Died there in 1821. His descendants remained in town for two or three 
generations. 

PETER CHANDLER. 

Born in Andover, Mass., Mar. 25. 1755. His pension declaration on 
file in Washington reads in part as follows: 

"On this 1st day of May, A. D. 1818, personally before me Levi Woodbury, 
one of the Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature in said State, appears 
Peter Chandler, of Nelson in said State, aged sixty-three years, who, being 
duly sworn, in order to obtain the benefits of the late act of Congress, 
entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval 
service of the L^nited States in the Revolutionary War, made on oath the 
following declarations — 

1. That at Andover, Mass., in A. D. 1775, he enlisted into Captain Ames' 
Company in Col. Fryes' Regiment and served eight months; 

2. At the end of said term he reenlisted into Captain Benton's Company 
in Col. Sargent's Regiment, in the Massachusetts Line, for one year and 
served out said term; 

3. Again June 4th, 1777, he reenlisted for three years into Captain Frye's 
Company in Col. Scammel's Regiment, in the New Hampshire Line, and 
there faithfully served out his time against the common enemy and was 
discharged at West Point." 

A supporting affidavit of Ebenezer Chandler enumerates Peter's various 
periods of seri-ice and concludes with the words — "making in the whole 
four years and eight months, which said Chandler served in the Army of 
the United States, I was further knowing to said Chandler receiving a 
wound through the hody hy a musket hall in the year 1776." 

In New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. 16, Revolutionary Rolls, his name 
appears at pages 15, 25, 186 and 211. It is shown that during his last 
enlistment his Captain was Isaac Erye, his Colonel Alexander Scammel, his 
Regiment the Third N. H. Continental Line and the period of service from 



Juno 4, 1777, to :Ma.v 30. 17.sO. Probably at "Saratoga," "Valley Forge" 
and '"Monmouth" and in the "Sullivan Expedition." 

Came to Packersfield in 17M7 and located on the Shores of Spoonwood 
Pand. frequently called "Chandler" Pond. (See General Griffin's auuecdotea 
regarding liini.) 

Died in Nelson, July 14, 1S19, and is Iniried in the Cemetery on the 
Town Common. 

A^rOS CHILD. 

Born in Waltham, Mass., in 1753. 

Was one of the earliest settlers locating east of Breed Pond. 

Signed the "Association Test" in April, 1770. 

Died in Packersfield. 

BUNTiER CLARK. 

Came to Packersfield about 1775 from Xew Ipswich. 

Signed the "Association Test" in April, 1776. 

In April, 1777, enlisted from Packersfield in Captain Isaac Farwell's Com- 
pany of Colonel Hale's Regiment, New Hampshire Continental line "for 
three years or for the war." 

New Ipswich claimed that he should properly be counted in her quota 
and the matter was referred to the New Hampshire Committee of Safety, 
which decided in favor of Packersfield. 

In the minutes of a Town Meeting held in Packersfield November 27, 
1778, is this item, "Voted to provide ten pounds for Bunker Clark's wife as 
a gift." 

After the war is said to have removed to Farmington, Maine. 

SETH COBB. 

Born in Medway, Mass., March 0, 1743. Brother of Stephen Cobb. 

^Marched from Temple, New Hampshire, to Cambridge, on the Lexington 
Alarm. Absent 12 days. 

In December, 1775, served 2 months with the army before Boston (Blood's 
History of Temple, N. H., page 103). 

In Captain John !Mellin's Company which marched from Fitzwilliam and 
towns adjacent, June 2S, 1777, to reinforce the garrison at Ticonderoga. 

Come to Packersfield not later than 1777. At town meeting held August 
5, 1777, elected member of Committee of Safety, the other members being 
Capt. Eleazer Twitchell, George Brintnall. Shadrach Hill, .and Jonathan Drury. 

About 1780 removed to Dublin, N. H., where he died January 8, 1700. 

STEPHEN COBB. 

Bom in HoUiston, Mass., April 15, 1747. Brother of Seth Cobb. 

Marched from Temple, N. H. to Cambridge, on the Lexington Alarm, 
April 19, 1775. Absent 11 days. 

In December, 1775, served two months with army before Boston (Blood's 
History of Temjile, page 103). 

Signed the Association Test in Temple in 177'' 

Came to Packersfield in 1777. 

Gl 



Elected member of Committee of Safety at town meeting held March 29, 
1779, the other members being John Adams and Captain Stephen Parker. 

Said to have lived on the Joseph Felt place, next north of the Burnap 
place. 

Died in Packersfield, June 19, 1S14. 

SAMUEL CUMMINGS. 

Born in Westford, Mass., November 18, 1742. During the war living in 
New Ipswich, N. H. 

In April, 1775, enlisted from New Ipswich for eight months in Captain 
John Nutting's Company of Colonel "William Prescott's Kegiment. At Bunker 
Hill in the redoubt, June 17, 1775. Martin and Joshua Lawrence in the 
same company. (See Samuel Griffin). 

Sergeant in Captain William Humphrey's Company of Colonel Wingate's 
Regiment in the Northern Army, Continental service, 1776. 

Under date of August 20, 17S2, Dr. Nathaniel Breed deeded to Samuel 
Cummings of New Ipswich the farm that the Doctor had first settled and 
then lived on, later known as the Horatio Osgood place, and now owned by 
Mr. Charles H. Osgood. 

At a town meeting held March 27, 17S6, it was "voted that Samuel Cum- 
mings, David Beard and Allen Breed be chosen a committee to draft a plan 
for the Meeting House and make an allotment of the Stuff." 

At a Town Meeting held March 20, 1787, it was "voted that Lieutenant 
Samuel Cummings, Lieutenant Archelus Wilson and Allen Breed be a com- 
mittee to procure the under hands to work on the Meeting House." 

In other records relating to the Meeting House he was the one referred 
to as the "Master Workman." (See also Archelus Wilson and Allen Breed.) 

About 1789 removed to Cornish, N. H., where he died January 16, 1826. 

The printed genealogy of the Cummings family suggests that he was in 
Packersfield earlier than 1782 and later than 1789. Probably this was only 
temporarily in connection with building operations. 

ISAAC DAVIS. 

Born in "Old" Rutland, Mass., February 28, 1756, and living there at the 
outbreak of the war. 

On August 10, 1832, made a pension declaration in part as follows: 

"1st. In 1775 entered the service in December for two months, Captain 
Reed's Company, Lieut. Evilith (?). Stationed at Roxbury and Brookline, 
Mass., guarding boats. Joined no regiment. 

"2nd. Served three months. Capt. Hussy ( 0>* Lieut. Ruggles' Company. 
Col. Sparhawk's Regiment, stationed at Rutland, guarding prisoners. Cannot 
state the year precisely. 

"3rd. In 1777 enlisted for two months, Capt. William Henry and Lieut. 
McLellan's Company, Col. Wliitney's Regiment. Served on R. Island at a 
place called Boston Neck, guarding the coast. Was a fifer. 

"4th. In 1777 enlisted and went to Half Moon, Capt. John Boynton, Lieut. 
Cutler. Marched from Half Moon to Bennington at the time of the battle. 

* This and other names of places in the record are hard to decipher. 

62 



After the battle of Bennington stood on guard to guard the prisoners in the 
meeting house. 

*'5th. In 1778 enlisted again for six months. Capt. Jackson's Co. of Col. 
Wade's Regiment. Marched to Tiverton ( ?) in R. Island. Then transferred 
from Col. Wade's Regt. to Col. Jacobs' Regt. Went onto the Island under 
Gen. Sullivan. (See Timothy Bancroft.) 

"Gth. In 1780 enlisted again for si.\ months, Capt. Ephraem Hartwell's 
Co. Stationed at Rutland guarding prisoners. Sergeant's duty. 

''7th. Enlisted again for three months. Capt. Stevens' (?) Co. Went 
tirst to West Point. Was detached out of the company to go to Fish Kill to 
the laboratory and there acted as quartermaster under the Commissary. Was 
at Fish Kill at the time Andre was hung. Saw Gen. Washington and Gen. 
La Fayette when they came up from Withersfield to Fish Kill and stayed 
over night there the morning that Arnold escaped. 

"Have a distinct recollection of all the officers I served under and of terms 
of service, but am very likely to be mistaken as to the different years." 

He came to Packersfield in 1782 and settled within present limits of Rox- 
bury, on what is now known as the Calvin Davis place. Died there September 
13, 1836. 

JOXAS DAVIS. 

In Captain David Bent's Company of Colonel Xathan Sparhawk's Regi- 
ment of Minute Men that marched from Rutland, Mass., to Cambridge, April 
20, 1775, on the Lexington Alarm. 

May 5, 1777, enlisted in Captain William Henry's Company of Colonel 
Josiah Whitney's Regiment and served in Rhode Island two months and seven 
days. 

Living in Packersfield from 1785 to ISOl and perhaps longer. 

BENJAMIN DAY. 

Born in Attleboro, Mass.. April 28. 1720. Father of Noah and Peletiah. 

At the outbreak of the war living in Mansfield, Mass. 

Though over military age, as a Minute Man marched from Mansfield to 
Roxbury on the Lexington Alarm April 19, 1775, in Captain Samuel White's 
Company of Colonel John Daggett's Regiment. 

Came to Packersfield about 1777 (joining his son Noah, who preceded him), 
and was on the Board of Selectmen there in 1778. 

Had purchased pro pert j' in Monadnock No. 6 several years before. In 
tlie Proprietors' records of apparently 1774, ''Improvements in the Northeast 
Quarter," is this: "Bcnj. Day, 5 acres cleared, 7 chopt over — House — Talks of 
coming." 

Settled on the farm now owned by Rev. E. W. Phillips and built the 
house still standing which is the oldest one in town. 

Died in Packersfield April 3, 1780. 

NOAH DAY. 

Born in ^lan.-tiild. ^la.--.. about 1755. Son of Benjamin Day. Ilalf- 
lirotlier of Lieut. Peletiah Day. 

Cnme to Packersfirld about 1774. Live«l on what was subsequently known 
as the Sewell Day place. 

63 



Signer of the Association Test in April, 1776. 

Sergeant in Captain Salmon Stone's Companj' in Col, Xichols' Eegiment, 
General Stark's Brigade, raised out of the Fifteenth Eegiment of Xew 
Hampshire Militia, Enoch Hale, Colonel, which company marched from 
Rindge and joined the Continental Army' at Bennington and Stillwater 
July 21 to August 10, 1777. 

Removed to Chesterfield, N. H. 

PELETIAH DAY. 

Born in ilSTorton, Mass., November 5th, 1744. Son of Benjamin Day. 
Half-brother of Noah. 

Corporal in Captain Benjamin Morey's Company of Colonel Daggett's 
Regiment of Minute Men which marched on the Alarm of April 19, 1775. 

April 27, 1775, enlisted, probably for eight months, in Captain Itloses 
Knap's Company of Colonel Joseph Read's Regiment; appointed Sergeant. 

March 13, 1776, commissioned Second Lieutenant in Capt. Silas Cobb's 
Company of Colonel Jacob French's Regiment. 

In Packersfield prior to 17S0. 

At a town meeting held October 28, 1782, the following committee was 
appointed to consider a proposed State Constitution, viz. Lieut. Peletiah Day, 
Chairman; Mr. Amos Child, Mr. Thomas Kiddar, Capt. Stephen Parker and 
William Barker. 

Lieut. Day was very influential in public affairs for many years. 

Died in Nelson May 25, 1814, and buried in cemetery on the Town 
Common. 

SAMUEL DERBY. 

Born in Concord, Mass., September 6, 1757. According to his pension 
declaration, verified August 9, 1832, his service was as follows: 

1. In June, 1777, enlisted from Groton, Mass., in Captain Aaron Jewett's 
Company of Colonel Job Cushing's Regt. Massachusetts Troops, and marched 
for Ticonderoga. Before they arrived the place was evacuated. Then 
marched to Bennington, where his company was attached to Colonel ''Bel- 
lows' " Regiment. Proceeded to Half Moon, N. Y., where an express was 
received from General Stark asking for reinforcements. Marched back 
to Bennington, but the battle there was over before they arrived. Then 
went to Stillwater. Was in the two battles variously known as '"Stillwater" 
or "Saratoga" (see David Kimball), resulting in the capture of Burgoyne's 
Army. After this marched to Kingsbridge (now part of New York City), 
and was discharged at some place between there and White Plains in 
December. 

2. In 1778 enlisted from Concord in Captain Anderson's Company of 
Col. Howe's Regiment in Rhode Island. Built a fort at Butts Hill. This 
was when the French Fleet was in the harbor with French troops aboard. 
(See Timothy Bancroft.) Length of service about five months. 

3. In 1780 enlisted from Concord in Captain Hale's Company and marched 
to Newport, R. I. Was there when the British left the place. General Gates 
was in command. After Benedict Arnold fled from West Point (see Noah 

64 



Hardy), General Gates was sent for and Derby helped man the hoat that took 
him to Providence. Discharpred at Newport after ahout tliree months' service. 

After the war moved from Concord to Lincoln, Mass., thence to Littleton, 
;Mass., and finally to Nelson in the fall of 1S12. Settled on wluit is now called 
Dcrhy Hill, west of Breed Pond. 

In his pension application he was vouched for by Col. Harrington of 
Kcene, and Amos Stoddard, and Noah Hardy of Nelson. 

Died March 13, 1S;39, and is buried in Nelson in the cemetery on the old 
Town Conunon. 

.lOXATllAX DUriiY. 

Supposed to have been the Jonathan Drury who sipned the Association 
Test in Temple, N. H., in 1T7G. 

Member of the Conunittee of Safety in Packersfield chosen August 5, 
1777, his colleagues being Capt. Eleazer Twitchell, George Brintnall, Seth 
Cobb and Shadraeh Hill. 

KOBERT EAMES. 

Born in Rutland, Mass., in 1749. Son of Aaron and Ann. 

Not later than 1773 removed to Sudbury, Mass., where he lived during 
the war. 

A member of Captain John Nixon's Company of Miimte Men organized 
at Sudbury March, 1775. The record book, still in existence, shows that he 
was present at drills on ^fareh 13, 20, 27, and April 3, 10 and 17. Ezra Smith 
and Uriah Wheeler were in the same company. 

Member of Captain John Nixon's Company of Colonel Abijah Pierce's 
Regiment of Minute Men that marched on the Alarm of April 19, 1775, reached 
Concord Bridge just as the firing began and probabl3- also engaged the 
British on their retreat to Boston at Merriam's Corner about 12:30 P. 'Si. 
(See Ezra Smitli and Uriah Wheeler.) 

In 1777 CoriKtral in Captain Isaac Wood's detachment of Continental 
guards in charge of stores at Sudbury. Service of 3 months and 2G days. 

In same detachment on said duty from January 2 to April 2, 177S. 

Also in similar service at Sudbury and Boston almost or quite continu- 
ously thereafter till October 0, 1780; the latter part of the time as Sergeant in 
^lajor Nathaniel Heath's detachment. 

August 14, 1783, married Sarali. daughter of Joseph Adams, of Lincoln, 
Mass., and soon after removed to Packersfield, where he lived the rest of his 
life. Settled on the "Cushing" place in what is now Roxbury. Dieil July 2, 
1828. Buried in Roxbury Cemetery. 

He was the father of Joseph Enmes (or Ames), the celebrated portrait 
painter. 

JOHN EASTABROOK. 

In Monadnock No. 6 as early as 1773. 
Signer of the "Association Test" April, 1776. 
In town several years afterwards. 

65 



SAMUEL EVEKETT. 

One of the earliest settlers. In llonadnock Xo. 6 (afterwards Packers- 
field and Nelson) about 1771. 

Settled, according to General Griffin, 'Svhere the little orchard is under the 
hill east of the Poland place." 

Signer of the Association Test in April, 1776. 

SOLOMON FAIRLEY. 

In 1777 Colonel Enoch Hale made a return to the Committee of Safety 
of soldiers enlisted from various towns for the Continental Army. The fol- 
lowing is an extract : — 

"Packersfield returned five men in all. Bunker Clark, Capt. Farwell's 
Company, Col. Hale's Eegt. and William Farley in Capt. Ellis' Company, Col. 
Scammel's Regt. Michael Troy ( ?) in Capt. Hill's Company, Col. Patterson's 
Regt. and Solomon Fairley in Capt. Wells' Company, Col. Shepard's Regt. — 
the two last in the Bay State — and John McRian in Capt. Smith's Company, 
belonging to the Train." 

See N. H. State Papers, Yol. 14, page 576. 

TIMOTHY FARLEY. 

Signed the Association Test in Packersfield April, 1776. 

WILLIAM FARLEY. 

May 25, 1777, enlisted from Packersfield for three years in Captain William 
Ellis' Company of Colonel Alexander Scammel's Regiment, New Hampshire 
Continental Line. Discharged May 30, 17S0. During this period the regi- 
ment was in the battles of Saratoga, the encampment at Valley Forge, the 
Sullivan expedition, etc. 

ABSALOM FAR WELL. 

Baptized in Marblehead, Mass., September 21, 1741. Came from Marble- 
head to Monadnock No. 6 (afterwards Packersfield and Nelson). Brother 
of John and Richard Farwell. 

Was probably one of the twenty-seven who on the morning of April 21, 
1775, marched from Packersfield in response to the Lexington alarm. 

In April, 1776, signed the "Association Test." 

In July, 1777, at the time of the Burgoyne Invasion, with his brother 
Richard, enlisted in Captain Salmon Stone's Company in Colonel Nichols' 
Regiment, General Stark's Brigade, raised out of the Fifteenth Regiment 
of New Hampshire Militia, Enoch Hale Colonel, which company marched 
from Rindge, July 21, 1777, and joined the Northern Army at Bennington 
and Stillwater. Took a prominent part in the Battle of Bennington, August 
16th, and was discharged September 25, 1777. (See Richard Farwell and 
David Kimball.) 

In 1792 removed to Bethel, Maine, where he died March 18, 1819. 

JOHN FARWELL. 

Born probably in England in 1739. Settled first in Marblehead, Mass., 
from whence he came to Monadnock No. 6 (subsequently Packersfield and 



Nelson) in 1772, and located where afterwards lived his grandson, Darius 
Farwell on a farm now owned by Mr. Arthur C. Childs. Kicliard and Absa- 
lom Farwell were John's brothers and came a little later. 

In 1774 he had six acres cleared, three more cut over and had erected 
a "board house," which he occui)ied with his family. 

Probably was one of the 27 men who marched from Packersfield April 21, 
1775, in response to the Lexington alarm. 

In April, 1770, signed the Association Test. 

After the Americans were driven out of Canada (see Ebenezer Tolman 
and Solomon Kittredge) they fell back to Fort Ticonderoga, between Lake 
Champlain and Lake George, which commanded the approach to the Hudson 
Kiver by the great water route to the south. 

In June, 1777, as the Burgoyne Invasion came up Cliamplain and ap- 
proached Ticonderoga, messengers were sent through western New England 
summoning reinforcements for the feeble garrison. The militia promptly 
responded. Farwell was one of those from Packersfield, going as a corporal 
in the company of John Mellin, which gathered at Fitzwilliam, and for the 
most part marched on June 28th, a few following on July 3d and July 6th. 

Other members of the company were Lieut. Ebenezer Perry, Sergeant 
James Bancroft,- John Morse, Stephen Twitchel, Thomas K. Breed, Joseph 
Stanhope, Seth Cobb and Benjamin Nurse. 

Though making a forced march they could not arrive in time, for the 
flirt was abandoned on July 6th. (See David Kimball.) Consequently they 
returned home after an absence of fourteen days. It appears from the muster 
roll in N. H. State Papers, Vol. 15, page 108, that Farwell travelled 135 miles. 

Died in Nelson, November 21, 1820, and probably is buried in the ceme- 
tery on the Town Common. 

RICHARD FARWELL. 

Baptized in Marblehead, Mass., September 25, 1743. Brother of John and 
Absalom Farwell. Came from Marblehead to Monadnock No. (afterwards 
Packersfield and Nelson), one of the earliest settlers, and located on the farm 
now occupied by "Mr. Oren L, Farwell, where he lived the rest of his life. 
Was a man of great size and a leading citizen. See General Griffin's anecdotes 
of him in his account of the early history of the town.) 

Probably one of the 27 men who, under the command of Lieutenant Abijah 
Brown, marched on April 21st, 1775, in response to the Lexington Alarm. 

In April, 1776, signed the "Association Test". 

July 21, 1777, marched fmm Rindge in Captain Stone's company' of 
Colonel Moses Nichols' Regiment, General John Stark's Brigade, raised out 
of the Fifteenth Regiment of ^Militia, of which Enoch Ilale was Colonel, 
which company joined the Northern Continental Army at Bennington and 
Stillwater, took a distinguished part in the Bennington battle on August 
10th, and was discharged on September 20th. 1777. 

Others conneetetl with Packersfield in the same company were Absalom 
Farwell, John French, John Stroud, Noah Day, Thomas K. Breed, Isaac 
Proctor, Jonathan Blodgett, Jonathan Jewett. David Averill and Joseph 
Mason. 

67 



Xew Hampshire men always took more satisfaction in recalling Benning- 
ton than any other event of the war, and with reason, for it was highly cred- 
itable to them. 

Under David Kimball is given a general account of the Burgoyne invasion. 
When it was merely rumored detachments of militia had hastened to Ticon- 
deroga and returned when the alarm proved false. Then when, the last of 
June, invasion actually took place, the farmers dropped hoe and scythe and 
marched again, most of them only to arrive too late and meet the patriot 
forces retreating. (See John Farwell.) Ticonderoga was occupied by the 
British early in July, and messengers brought alarming reports that the 
object of the expedition was to subjugate New England. ' 

The Legislature was convened and held a session of three days. John 
Stark, the hero of Bunker Hill, was called from his farm to command the 
Second Brigade of Militia — the one in the Western part of the State nearest 
the enemy. Charlestown was appointed as the rendezvous, and detachments 
of volunteers began to pour in. Most of them were farmers who had seized 
their guns and started right in the midst of haying. 

"March! March! March! from sunrise till it's dark. 
And let no man straggle on the way! 
March ! March ! March ! as we follow Old John Stark, 
For the old man needs us all today."* 

The company in w'hich the Farwells served were among the first arrivals. 
With them and a few others Stark pushed on to Manchester, Vt., leaving 
word for the rest to follow as rapidly as possible. On August 8th he pro- 
ceeded to Bennington. On August 13th a British force of fifteen hundred 
Hessians and Tories and two hundred Indians, under command of Col. 
Baume, a Hessian officer, came into Cambridge, fourteen miles northwest 
of Bennington. 

The Hessians were mercenary troops in the employment of England. They 
got their name from the fact that they came from Hesse, a part of Germany 
on the upper Rhine. They had been pressed into service by their rulers and 
then sold for a large price, of which they received nothing. "WTiile fine men 
physically and well equipped and disciplined and stimulated by tales that 
the Americans were cannibals and the like, they had no enthusiasm for the 
cause for which they were expected to fight. Wlien the war was over many 
of them did not go back to Germany, but became highly respected American 
citizens. All this, however, did not prevent their being a very uncomfortable 
proposition at Bennington. 

Stark, learning of their approach, sent out a part of Nichols' Regiment 
under Lieut. Colonel William Gregg, to secure some flour in the neighborhood 
of Cambridge, and followed with his whole force on August 14th. He soon 
met Gregg's men retreating before the Germans and Tories. 

These Tories were Americans dressed like Stark's own men and undis- 
tinguishable till the patriots resorted to the expedient of putting corn husks in 
their hat bands. This was their entire "uniform". 

Seeing Stark's force Baume halted, entrenched himself on advantageoiis 
ground and sent back for reinforcements. The entrenchments of the enemy 

•From "The Marching Song of Stark's Men," by Edward Everett Hale. 



were upon the bluifs on both sides of the IIoosnc River within the State 
of Xew York. 

It rained hard all day on the loth, so Stark held his men in check. 

On the 16th he approached the enemy's works and coming in sight of 
them he halted and made an address, short and to the point: "There's the 
enemy, boys. We must tlog them or Molly Stark sleeps a widow this night." 

''Each soldier there had left at home 

A sweetheart, wife, or mother. 
A blooming sister, or perchance, 

A fiiir-haired, blue-eyed brother. 
Each from a fireside came, and thoughts 

Those simple words awoke 
That nerved up every warrior's arm. 

And guided every stroke."** 

He then divided his force, which was only about half that to which it was 
opposed. Colonel Nichols with 200 men, probably including Stone's company, 
was sent by a circuitous route through the woods to gain the rear of the 
left wing of the enemy. Colonel Herrick with another small force was 
sent by another route to gain the rear of their center, while Cftlonels Hobart 
and Stickney were sent to get behind their right wing, south of the Hoosac. 
With the few left Stark slowly approached in front. 

The detachments cheered as they started. Col. Baume, viewing the scene 
through a glass, hearing the noise and seeing the patriots disappear, thought 
they were running away from their leader. 

Nichols was to give the signal. At precisely three o'clock the first shot 
from his men rang out. The others were ready and immediately the attack 
became general. The Hessians were brave enough, but they had not been 
trained for any such warfare as that, and soon fell into confusion. "SVhich- 
ever way they faced there was an enemy behind them, an enemy that crept 
up under the very muzzles of the cannon and shot the gunners and, though 
having no bayonets, swarmed over the entrenchments swinging their muskets 
like battle-axes. 

"The jjonderous clubs swept crashing 

Through the bayonets round their feet. 
As a woodnnua's a.\e-edge crashes 
Through branches mailed in sleet. 

"Shattering head and shoulder. 
Splintering arm and thigh. 
Hurling the red-coats earthward 
Like bolts from the angrj- skj-."* 

Within about an hour Colonel Baume was mortally wounde<l, the majority 
of those who survived had surrendered, and Stark's men scattered to secure 
their prisoners and sjwil, and incidentally to get something to oat, of which 
they were in great need. 

Just then the trumi)ets of reinforcements under Col. Breyman were 
heard, giving unwelcome notice that a second battle was at hand. 

"From "The lUttle of DennlnRton," bjr Tboma* P. Rodman. 
•From "BennlDBton," by W. H. Babcock. 

r,9 



Almost simultaneously, however, the patriots had reinforcements them- 
selves from a detachment of "Green Mountain Boys" under Col. Seth Warner. 

The fight raged again until dark, the enemy gradually falling back for 
two miles, when they broke completely, abandoning their cannon and every- 
thing that would impede their flight, and escaping under cover of the dark- 
ness. One hour more of daylight and Breyman's forces would surely have 
been captured. "Molly" Stark did not sleep a widow that night. 

Two hundred and seven of the enemy's dead were counted on the field, and 
seven hundred and fifty were taken prisoners, with four brass cannon and 
one thousand stand of arms. 

The loss of the Americans was thirty killed and forty wounded. One of 
the killed was First Lieutenant Ebenezer Perry, of Packersfield. 

The result was far-reaching. The loss at Bennington so crippled Bur- 
goyne that it rendered his surrender at Saratoga inevitable, and the latter 
gained recognition of American Independence by France, without which it 
probably could not have been maintained. 

"For a cycle was closed and rounded. 
A Continent lost and won. 
When Stark and his men went over 
The earthworks at Bennington."* 
General Griffin gives the following account of the battle : "At Bennington 
General Stark had defeated the British and taken TOO prisoners, and his men 
were scattered about, taking their dinner, when the British having been 
reinforced, attacked our troops and drove all before them. Stark's men fell 
into line as fast as possible and fought bravely, but the British were fast 
overpowering them when "Warner came up with 500 Yermonters fresh for 
the fight, 

Warner rode up to Stark and asked: "A\^iere will you have us?" Says 
Stark : "For God's sake fall in and let us take br^th." Warner's men deployed 
into line and poured in a terrific fire. Stark's wornout troops rallied behind 
them, and together they soon checked and finally routed the whole British 
force. 

Richard and Absalom Farwell were together in the thickest of the fight. 
Richard, who knew no fear, was standing out completely exposed to the mur- 
derous fire, while his comrades were behind trees and rocks (the fight was 
in the woods). Absalom, seeing him thus exposed, called out to him: "Get 
behind a tree, Brother Richard, get behind a tree; they'll put your daylights 
out." But Richard continued to load and fire where he was. It was there 
that he said he saw Batchelder and fired at him. (See General Griffin's 
account of Batchelder.) 

These Farwells were so prominent on account of their size and bravery 
that Stark knew them, and said that if he had a regiment of such men he 
covdd "drive the British into the Atlantic." 

Washington, in one of his letters, referred to the militia that went against 
Burgoyne as "the best yeomanry in the country * * * supplied with 
provisions of their own carrying." 

Richard Farwell died in Nelson November 4th, ISIT, and is buried in the 
cemetery on the Town Common. 

*From "Bennington," by W. H. Babcock. 

70 



ELIPHALET FELT. 

Born in Dcdham, Mass., September 24, 1754, His sister Sarah married 
Samuel Adams of Packersfield. 

As ^Minute Man marched from Dedham on tlie Lexington Alarm, April 19, 
1775, in Captain Robert Taft's Company. 

In 1770 in Captain Samuel Felt's Company of Artillery. Probably other 
service. 

Came to Packersfield about 1780. His eldest son, Charles, was born in 
that town October 17, 17S0, and his second son, John, October 22, 1782. 
Elected Tythingman, March G, 1781. 

After a few years Felt removed to Rockingham, Vt., where he died 
November 18, 1833. 

JONATHAN FELT. 

Born probably in Lynn, Mass., April S, 1753. Brother of Joshua, Joseph 
and Samuel. 

Came to Packersfield prior to 1775. One of the town officers elected Au- 
gust 1, 1775. 

Signer of the Association Test in Packersfield, April, 1770. 

In Captain James Lewis* Company of Colonel Daniel Moor's Regiment 
of New Hampshire Volunteers that marched from Marlboro and joined the 
Continental Army at Saratoga. Service from September 28 to October 24, 
1777. 

Settled on what was afterwards known as the "Fletcher place," on the 
old road to Stoddard near the town line. 

Died there February 17, 1807, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town 
Common. 

JOSEPH FELT. 

Bom in Saugus (Lynn), Mass., January 12, 1757. Brother of Joshua, 
Jonathan and Samuel. 

His pension declaration, verified and supplemented by the Rolls in the 
office of the Secretary of State at Concord, N. H., shows the following enlist- 
ments, viz.: 

1. May 4, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain Ezra Town's Com- 
pany of Colonel James Reed's Regiment. Was in the battle of Bunker Hill, 
June 17, 1775 (.^ee account of the battle under Samuel Griffin, wlio was in 
tiie same company), and served out liis full t4?rm, being stationed most of 
the time at Winter Hill. His description was: "Age, 18; stature, 5 ft. 4 in.; 
complexion, fair; eyes, gray; occupation, farmer; residence, New Ipswich." 

2. Immediately on the expiration of his first term re-enlisted in the same 
company for one year and served till January, 1777. 

3. In June, 1777, enlisted in Captain Josiah Brown's Company of Colonel 
Knooh Hale's Regiment, which marched from New Ipswich. N. H.. June 29, 
1777, to reinforce the garrison at Ticonderoga, and proceeded as far as No. 4 
CCharlestown), where they were ordered back by an express from Colonel 
Bellows, and returned to Rindge on July 3rd. On the following day they 

71 



received orders to march again and went as far as Rutland, Vt., where they 
were met by the Army on retreat. 

4. June 10, 1778, enlisted as Corporal in Captain Simon Marston's Com- 
pany of Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Peabody's Regiment, raised by the 
State of New Hampshire for Continental service in Rhode Island, and was 
discharged December 30, 1778. 

Came to Packersfield prior to 1790, and died in Nelson August 9, 1842, 
at the age of 85, and is buried in the cemetery on the old Town Common. 

The printed genealogy of the Felt family and "Lynn in the Revolution," 
by Howard K. Sanderson, both state that he was wounded in the thigh and 
taken prisoner at the capture of Fort Washington, November 15, 1776. (See 
Samuel Felt.) He was in the service at that time and there is a "Joseph 
Felt" on the list of prisoners, but from the fact that in his pension declaration 
he did not mention any such experience, some have doubted whether the man 
captured was this Joseph. 

JOSHUA FELT. 

In Captain David Parker's (First Lynn) Company of Minute Men, which 
marched on the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775, and engaged the British 
at Menotomy. 

In "Lynn in the Revolution," compiled by Howard Kendall Sanderson, 
at page 272, is the following sketch of Joshua Felt: ''Son of Aaron and Mary 
(Waitt) Felt. Was born in Saugus, June 21, 1751, his father having removed 
from Chelsea. He was married by Rev. Joseph Roby, January 16, 1774, to 
Hannah Stocker, daughter of Ephraim and Lydia (Newhall) Stocker, born 
October 2, 1752. * * * In Captain David Parker's Saugus Company in 
the fight at Menotomy, and was wounded by the British. His brother Joseph 
was shot in the thigh and taken prisoner the next year at Fort Washington. 
After the revolution Joshua removed to Packersfield, N. H., where all but one 
of his children were born. The names of his children were Mercy, Polly, 
Elijah and Ephraim. His brothers, Jonathan, Joseph, Peter and Samuel, all 
born in Lynn, were in the Revolution. He died in Westmoreland, N. H., 
about 1822, his wife having died before him, but it is not known where he is 
buried." 

The same writer, at page 43, tells of the engagement when Felt received 
his wound. After describing how the Danvers and Lynn men were enclosed 
between the main body of the British and their flank guard, he continues: 

"At this time they were near the home of Jason Russell and were using 
it as a shield. The Danvers men had improvised a defense from a huge pile 
of shingles and were busily firing at the troops in the road. Before they 
could escape seven of their number were killed — caught in a trap. Dr. Joseph 
Warren was near by and barely escaped with his life. Seeing the fate of 
the Danvers Minute Men, many of the Lynn boys rushed into the house 
and there Abednego Ramsdell, Daniel Townsend, William Flint and Thomas 
Hadley were killed, and Timothy Munroe, Joshua Felt and others wounded." 

This part of the tragic story is told in part by Alonzo Lewis in the "His- 
tory of Lynn": "Timothy Munroe was standing behind a house with Daniel 
Townsend, firing on the British troops as they were coming down the road 

72 



in their rotrent to Boston. Townsend had just fired and exchiinial, 'Tliere 
is another redcoat down,' when Munroe. looking around, saw, to his aston- 
ishment, tliat they were completely hemmed in by the Hank ^'uard of the 
British Army, which was cominj? down through the fields behind them. They 
immediately ran into the house and sought for the cellar, but no cellar was 
there. They looked for a closet, but there was none. All this time, which 
indeed was but a moment, the balls were pouring through the back windows, 
nuiking havoc of the glass. Townsend leaped through the end window and 
immediately dropped dead. Munroe followed and ran for his life. He passed 
for a long distance between both parties, many ot whom discharged their 
guns at him. As ho passed the last soldier, who stopped to fire, he heard 
the redcoat exclaim. 'Damn the Yankee; he is bullet-proof. Let him go.' 
Mr. !Munroe had one ball through his leg and thirty-two bullet holes through 
his clothes and hat. Even the metaKbuttons on his waistcoat were shot off." 

SAMUEL FELT. 

Born ilarch 17, I7r)5. A brother of Jonathan, Joseph and Joshua. 

lu his pension declaration, confined to Continental service, as distinguished 
from that in the Militia, he says : 

"I, Samuel Felt, of Nelson, in the County of Cheshire, and State of New 
Hampshire, husbandman, do make the following declaration, upon oath, that 
in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six, on the 
first of January, I enlisted as a private soldier in. the Continental Army in 
the United States of America, at Cambridge, in the State of Massachusetts, 
for one year, under Capt. Vinton in said Vinton's Company, in Col. Sargent's 
Regiment, in the Massachusetts line, and continued there until the British 
left Boston, which, I think, was sometime in March following, when we 
marched into Boston, where we stayed about two weeks and from that to the 
Castle, where we stayed until sometime in June following, and then marched 
to New York, where we took possession of the fort called Horn's Hook, where 
we remained until Gen'l Washington retreated out of the City of New York, 
when we made a short stand at Kings Bridge, and from that to White Plains, 
where we had a battle with the British, and from that to Pensylvania, and from 
that to Trenton, and was in Trenton battle, and from that back to Pensyl- 
vania where I was discharged the last day of December." 

The evacuation of Boston, and the battles of White Plains, and of Trenton. 
were all events of great importance. 

After the affair of the 19th of April there had gathered around Boston 
about 10.000 men. They were patriots, but could hardly be called soldiers, 
much less an army. Many hundreds had no firearms, and those who possessed 
something or other in that line usually had no bayonets and little or no 
anununition. 

Tiie British officers were accustomed to refer to them as a "set of dirty 
ragnmffins'' and the description was not inappropriate. 

Gradually s<»me order was brought out of chaos. Regiments were organized, 
enlisted for eight months, and the so-called siege of Boston began. Bunker 
Hill, on June 17th, used up a large part of their jMiwder. In August they 
had less than enough to give each man nine rounds. Their few little cannon 

73 



were a joke, absolutely useless. The people at home clamored for a battle, 
while they were not equipped for a half-hour skirmish. 

Late in the year a young man named Henry Knox, v;ho had kept a little 
bookstore in Boston and used his spare time in reading all the works he could 
collect on artillery practice, escaped out of the city and came to Washington 
with a proposition that he be sent to Fort Ticonderoga, which Ethan Allen 
had captured by a surprise attack the previous May, and be allowed to bring 
do\\Ti some cannon from there. He was given a small party of men and set 
out. In December he came back triumphantly dragging with oxen on sleds 
thirteen brass cannon, twenty-six iron cannon, fourteen mortars, two Howit- 
zers, twenty-three hundred pounds of lead and a barrel of flints. 

There was great rejoicing in camp, and the Congress at once made Knox 
a Brigadier-General of Artillery. 

Unfortunately, the fact that there was no powder, with which to load these 
new weapons rather impaired their usefulness, and things dragged on as before. 

In February there was bitter cold weather which froze the water on the 
edge of the bay, and ^Yashing•ton favored trying a rush over the ice, but the 
other officers would not stand for it. 

Finally some powder was obtained — not much, but sufficient for a ''bluff." 

Dorchester Heights commanded the city and harbor on the south just as 
did Bunker Hill and Breed Hill on the north. Howe, the British General, 
might have taken and fortified them at any time, but as a matter of fact he 
had not done it, and this gave AVashington his opportunity. 

On the night of March 4th, in the midst of a great storm, the patriots 
suddenly began to use the precious powder in a bombardment all along the 
line. They did not always use it wisely, for by overloading they promptly 
burst three of the largest mortars on which they had placed great reliance. 
All this actively was a mere cover. 

In the midst of the noise and confusion. General Thomas and two thou- 
sand men, with wagons carrying bales of hay, made a long detour, so the 
sound of the wheels on the frozen ground could not be heard, and ascended 
Dorchester Heights. The ground was too hard to dig entrenchments, but, as 
instructed, they piled up the hay. 

Howe soon discovered them and sent Earl Percy with a large force to dis- 
lodge them. The latter thought it better to wait until the storm was over. By 
that time the Americans had brought up cannon and. remembering Bunker 
Hill, he did not dare to make the attempt. 

It was expected that the enemy would attack somewhere, and there was 
great difference of opinion as to what should be done to prepare for it. The 
next ten days were a period of great anxiety, but finally, on March 17th, with- 
out any battle at all, the British sailed away. 

Washington soon after marched most of his army to New York. Felt's 
regiment followed later, but his narrative indicates that it was not engaged in 
the disastrous battle of "Long Island", or "Brooklyn Heights" as it was some- 
times called, on August 27th. (See John White.) 

Forced out of Xew York City and driven north, the battle of Harlem 
ICeights was fought, September 16 (see John Wliite), and then there were a 
9«>ries of rear guard actions. One of which, to which Felt alludes, was at 
Kings Bridge, where they left Manhattan Island for the mainland. 

74 



Washington entronehod his men on every liill as soon as lie reached it, and 
thuR his movement was a line of detached and entrenched camps, which it 
was hoped could be taken by superior numbers of the British only with heavy 
loss. There being hardly any horses, the baggage and artillery had to be 
dragged by hand. The men would drag part of it forward and then go back 
and drag the rest. 

The Americans reached the vicinity of White Plains, about twenty-five 
miles from New York, on October L'Sth, and there occurred a very spirited, 
though not extensive action at Chatterton Hill, which is commonly known 
as the battle of White Plains. Possibly Felt's regiment was not actively 
engaged, but it was certainly able to witness the whole affair. This was the 
end of the pursuit. Washington fell back a few miles further to the almost 
unassailable heights at North Castle and Howe returned to New York. 

Fort Washington, on the bluff overlooking the Hudson, had been part 
of the American line of defense at Harlem Heights. After the rest of the 
line fell back it was useless and should have been abandoned. The mistake 
was made of leaving an isolated garrison of 3,000 men there which, on 
November 15th, was obliged to surrender. This forced the evacuation of Fort 
Lee on the opposite side of the Hudson, and news came of the defeat of Arnold 
on Lake Champlain. (See Thomas Baker.) Thus disaster piled on disaster, 
and Washington's reputation, even among his friends, sank to the lowest 
point it ever reached in his life. 

He concluded that the next move of the British would either be up the 
Hudson to capture West Point, and the line of communication with Lake 
Champlain, or southward to capture Philadelphia. To check the latter, with 
a bod:^' of about four thousand men, which soon shrunk to thirty-three hundred, 
he crossed the Hudson and marched into New Jersey. 

Being pursued by Lord Cornwallis, he proceeded southward till on De- 
cemlier 2nd his main body reached Trenton on the Delaware. 

At that moment the American cause seemed at about the lowest ebb. Its 
-upporters were represented, as one historian has expressed it, "by only thirty- 
three hundred wandering, half-clothed guerillas." The time of enlistment of 
most of these would expire on January 1st, less than a month away. The 
patriot congress had fled from Philadelphia. Thousands of people in New 
Jersey who formerly had been supposed to be in sympathy were now taking the 
British oath^f allegiance. The end appeared to be at hand. 

The pursuing army, increased till it was twice the size of the American 
force, came up on December 8th. Washington crossed the river at mid- 
night just ahead of it, having first secured all the boats along the shores for 
a distance of seventy miles. (See Amos Richardson.) 

The British thinking their prey secure, and that there was no need of 
haste, waited for the river to freeze over. Tliey were scattered about at various 
I)lace3 nearby. Thus, at Bordentowni on the Delaware there were upwards 
of fifteen hundred, another considerable body at Princeton, a third at New 
Brunswick, while at Trenton there were fifteen hundred Hessians under Col. 
Kail, an able officer. 

Washington planned to make n desperate surprise attack on them all. 
He divided his force into three divisions; one was to go against Borden- 
town, another was to cross the river in front of Trenton and station itself on 

75 



the other side of Assunpink Creek, directly south of the village, to prevent the 
Bordentown and Trenton garrisons joining forces, while he, with the third 
division, was to cross considerably above Trenton and make the main attack. 
If the three were successful they were to unite and push on against Princeton 
and 'New Brunswick. 

"The winter night is cold and drear 

Along the river's sullen flow ; 
The cruel frost is camping here — 

The air has living blades of snow, 
Look ! pushing from the icy strand, 

With ensigns freezing in the air. 
There sails a small but mighty band. 

Across the dangerous Delaware."* 

They started Christmas night at 11 o'clock. The weather was very cold 
and a northeast snowstorm was raging. The men suffered intensely; many 
were frostbitten and two froze to death. 

The river was full of floating ice, which formed a barrier too great to be 
surmounted by the first two divisions. "Washington's party finally got across, 
but far more time had been consumed than expected. It had been intended 
to surprise the Hessian Camp in the darkness, but it was eight o'clock and 
broad daylight before it was approached. It had become evident that there 
could be no co-operation from the other divisions, but there was nothing to 
do but go on. The village was surrounded and the lines closed in. 

The Hessians, from Col. Rail to the lowest private, had been celebrating 
Christmas, and most of them were aroused from heavy sleep by the sound 
of guns. They failed utterly to get together. Eall was killed and of the 
others practically all the survivors laid down their arms. 

Says Professor Fisher in his "Struggle for American Independence": — 

"The Hessian prisoners were sent to Philadelphia to be paraded in triumph 
for the sake of animating the patriots and depressing the loyalists. It was a 
curious scene as they marched up Chestnut Street by Independence Hall, 
patriot women screaming at them and threatening to choke them and others 
trying to give them bread. They were warmly clad in good uniforms, but the 
patriot troops who guarded them had on summer clothes and some of them 
were marching barefooted on that cold winter day. * * * 

"It was a wonderful success for the patriots ; it continued the war when it 
had almost ceased and the patriot cause was about to expire; it reanimated 
the whole patriot party; it convinced Europeans of the ability of Washington 
to seize an opportunity; it was a momentous turning point in the Eevolu- 
tion; a typical incident of American promptness, energy and good luck." 

Thus ended a campaign which Felt so succinctly sums up: "From that 
to Pennsylvania and from that to Trenton, and was in Trenton battle and 
from that back to Pennsylvania" — or "Pensilvany", to copy the declaration 
exactly. 

According to the New Hampshire Rolls, Felt seems to have also been in 
the field at least twice with the New Hampshire militia, viz: 

♦From "Across the Delaware," by Will Carleton. 



Ill Captain Jonathan Broekway's Ci>nipany in Culoiu-l Kn<<cli Hale's 
IiL'^inient that niarfhod on the Otli and IJJth of July, 1777, on tlic alarm at 
licoMdcToffa. ilarclied on the !Sth of July from Wasliinpton to Cavendish, 
distance 40 miles, and then received orders to return back. Then received 
i.rdirs on the 13th to march the second time for Ticonderoga. Marched from 
Wasiiington to Otter Creek. Distance (>0 miles. There met the army re- 
treating and returned hack. Also 

In Captain Robert Fletcher's Company in Colonel Enoch Hale's Itepiment 
of Volunteers, which regiment inarched from the State of New Hampshire 
and joined the Continental Army on Rhode Island August 10 to August 
2S, 1788. 

These enlistments were probably from Temple, N. II., but about 1778 he 
came to Packerstield, where he remained the rest of his life. He died there 
June 26, 1827, at the age of seventy-one, and is buried in the cemetery on the 
Town Common. His wife Naomi survived him till 1851, reaching the 
age of 92. 

WILLIAM FOLLETT. 

Born in 1742. The son of Isaac FoUett. 

During the French and Indian War, served at least two enlistments, viz: — 

1. In Captain Lemuel Bent's Company from April 30, to November 27, 
1755*, in the expedition against Crown Point. 

2. In I'lbenezer Cox's Company from ^larch 14, to December 5, 1700. 
Both of these enlistments were from Attleboro, Mass. 

Came to Monadnock No. 6 (afterwards Packersfield and Nelson) from 
Ilubbardston, Mass., about 1772, and probably resided from time to time on 
the Stoddard place, the Temple Scott place, and finally, on the William Priest 
place in the eastern district. In 1774, had cut over more acreage than anyone 
else in town. 

Signer of the Association Test in April, 177G. 

In Captain James Lewis' Company of Colonel Daniel Moore's Regiment, 
New Hampshire Volunteers, that marched from Marllwirough and joined the 
Continental Army at Saratoga. Serv'ice from September 28th, to October 
24th, 1777. 

When a church was organized in 17M. he and his wife. Rebecca, were 
charter members. 

Died in Nelson. December 0, 1834, at tiie age of 92, and is buried in the 
Cemetery on the Town Common. 

REV. JACOB FOSTER. 

Bctrn in HoUiston, Mass., March 10. 1732. Graduated at Harvard College 
in 1754, in the same class as Governor John Hancock. Was ordained pastor 
of the Church at Berwick, Maine, in 1750. 

At his own request was dismissed from his charge and entered the Con- 
tinental .Army, May 31, 1775. as Chaplain of Col. James Scammon's Mass. 
Regiment, and remained until January 1. 1770, when he resigned to accept a 
similar inisition in the reginu-nt of Col. Edmund Phinney. His name apix'ars 
on a muster roll of the latter organization dated Garrison at Fort Georgo, 
December 8. 1770. 



Prior to ITSO, there was no organized church in Packersfield. On October 
12th of that year the inhabitants presented a call to Mr. Foster to become their 
minister. He accepted, and a church of ten members was formed January 
31st, 1781, and on the same day he was installed as pastor. He filled the posi- 
tion successfully for ten years, till compelled to resign on account of ill health. 

At a town meeting held January 1, 1782, the following committee was 
chosen "to consider the new form of government" (referring to a proposed 
State Constitution). Eev. Jacob Foster, chairman, Capt. James Bancroft, 
William Barker, Mr. Amos Child, Lieut. Peletiah Day, Lieut. Archelus 
Wilson, and Mr. Uriah Wheeler. The reason that William Barker was not 
given a title was doubtless that as To\vn Clerk he made the record. At a sub- 
sequent meeting Mr. Foster was appointed agent of the town ''to return the 
town's objections against said plan of Government." 

His daughter Sophia married, August 13, 1783, Samuel Griffin, and they 
have had numerous descendants. General Simon Goodell Griffin was one 
of them. 

Mr, Foster's parsonage was situated in the field a few yards north of the 
present cemetery, where an old well can still be seen. Current bushes planted 
by him still flourish. 

Died in Xelson, December 3, 1798, and is buried in the cemetery on the 
Town Common. 

JONATHAN FRENCH. 

Born in Hollis, N. H., January 9, 1762. Son of John and brother of 
John, Jr., and William. 

Came to tox\'n with his father about 1775. 

Probably in Captain David Place's Company on Seavey's Island in 
November, 1775, enlisted for the defense of Portsmouth. 

In Captain John Goss' Company of Militia in Colonel Nichols' Regiment, 
and General Stark's Brigade, raised and marched to reinforce the Northern 
Army, July 20, 1777. Discharged September 28, 1777. At battle of Ben- 
nington, August 16, 1777. (See Richard Farwell.) 

In Captain Daniel Emerson's Company in Colonel Moses Nichols' Regi- 
ment of Volunteers which marched from State of New Hampshire and joined 
the Continental Army in the State of Rhode Island, August, 1778. Service 
August 6th, to Aug-ust 28th. (See Timothy Bancroft.) 

Enlisted from Packersfield July 5, 1779, for six months' service in the 
State of Rhode Island in Captain Ephraem Stone's Company of Colonel 
Mooney's Regiment. 

Probably left town during or soon after the war. 

Died in Dublin, N. H., in 1790. 

JOHN FRENCH. 

Born May 17, 1727. The father of William, John, Jr., and Jonathan. 

Came to Packersfield from Hollis, N. H., in March. 1775. 

Probably one of the 27 men who under Lieut. Abijah BroMii, marched 
from Packersfield to Cambridge, April 21, 1775. 

Chosen member of Committee of Inspection, September 25, 1775, his col- 
leagues being Eleazer Twitchell, Benjamin Nurse, Amos Skinner, and 
Abijah Brown. 



Signer of the Association Test in April, 1770. 

Possibly may have performed some of the military service attrilmti'd to his 
son of the same name. 

After living in Packerstield for about nine years in a two-room loghouse, 
he removed to Dublin, X. H., where he died in April, ISOS. 

JOHN FRENCH, JR. 

Born in Hollis, N. H., in April, 1757. Sou of Jolui and hrdtlier of William 
and Jonathan. 

Came to Packersfield with his father about 1775. 

Probably one of the 27 men who, under Lieut. Abijah Brown, marched 
from Packersfield on the Lexington Alarm April, 1775. 

In Captain Jonathan Brockway's Company in Colonel Enoch Hale's Regi- 
ment that marched on the Gth and 13th of July, 1777, on the Alarm at 
Ticonderoga. Marched on the Sth day of July from Washington to Cavendish, 
distance 40 miles, and then received orders to turn back. On the 13th they 
received orders to march the second time for Ticonderoga and marched as 
far as Otter Creek, distance over GO miles. There they met the army and 
retreated back. 

Member of Captain Salmon Stone's Company of Colonel Nichols' Regi- 
ment, General Stark's Brigade, raised out of the 15th Regiment of New 
Hampshire Militia, Enoch Hale Colonel, which company marched from 
Rindge, and joined the Northern Continental Army at Bennington and Still- 
water. From July 21 to September 20, 1777. 

In the Battle of Bennington August G, 1777. (See Richard Farwell.) 

In Captain Samuel Twitchell's Company of Colonel Enoch Hale's Regi- 
ment of Volunteers, which marched from the State of New Hampshire and 
joined the Continental Army on Rhode Island in August, 1778. (See Timothy 
Bancroft.) 

Januarj' 9, 1779, enlisted from Packersfield for six months' service in 
Colonel Mooney's Regiment for the defense of Rhode Island. 

After the war left town and subsequently resided in Swansey and Dublin. 
New Hampshire, and Northfield, Massachusetts. 

WILLIAM FRENCH. 

Born in Hollis, N. IL, May 19, 1754. The son of John French. Brother 
of John, Jr., and Jonathan. 

Marched from Peterborough, N. H., in Captain William Scott's Company 
of ifinute Men. Colonel Paul Dudley Sergeant's Regiment, April 20, 1775, 
in response to the Lexington Alarm. 

April 23rd enlisted for eight months in .same company and regiment, giving 
his residence as "Packersfield". 

Killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill June 17, 1775. (Sw Samuel Griffin.) 

JOHN GIBSON. 

June 29, 1780. enlisted from Packersfield t<> rt«ruit tnr ( "ntiiniital Army 
in New York. Discharged Docomber 4. 17!>0, age then 18 years. In same 
company as Theodore Barker and .Tonathan Parker. 
Probably considerable other service. 



ABRAHAM GOODENOW. 

Born in Sudbury, Mass., April 27, 1749, the fourth generation from 
Edmund Goodenow, who came from England in 1638. 

Private in Captain Nathaniel Lakin's Company of Colonel John Jacob's 
Light Infantry Regiment; enlisted September 30, 1779; discharged November 
30, 1779; service in Rhode Island. 

Married May 14, 1780, for his second wife, Silence (Tower) Ingersoll, 
widow of Simeon Ingersoll. They came to Packersfield prior to 1790 and 
settled on the Charles Sheldon place, near Long Pond. 

He died there September 15, 1804, and is buried in the cemetery on the 
Town Common. 

SAMUEL GRIFFIN. 

Born in Bradford, Mass., in 1755. Son of Samuel Griffin and of "Welsh 
descent. 

As a Minute Man, on the "Lexington Alarm" of April 19, 1775, he marched 
from Temple, N. H., to Cambridge, Mass., and there enlisted for eight months 
in Captain Ezra Towne's Company of Colonel James Reed's New Hampshire 
Regiment. 

Was in the battle of "Bunker Hill," June 17, 1775, and at the subsequent 
"Siege of Boston." 

A member of Captain Joseph Parker's Company, raised out of Colonel 
Enoch Hale's Regiment, that joined the Northern Army at Ticonderoga in 
1776. 

There were gathered at Cambridge, in the latter part of April, 1775, per- 
haps as many as sixteen thousand men, unorganized, and with no equipment 
except what each had brought with him when hastily summoned from home. 
Of the twenty-seven who came from Packersfield at least three had no muskets 
and probably the proportion was as great among those from most other towns. 
Some who had firearms had no powder and no one had but a little, and the 
securing of food was a terrible problem. 

These circumstances, and the fact that none of them had time to arrange 
his affairs before he came, and the season was at hand when crops must be 
planted, caused a large number to return home. Some of these, however, came 
back later. 

As a body they were — 

"A motley rout . . . 
In raiment tanned by years of sun and storm. 
Of every shape that was not uniform, 
Dotted with regimentals here and there; 
An army all of Captains, used to pray. 
And stiff to fight, but serious drill's despair; 
Skilled to debate their orders, not obey ; 
Deacons were there, selectmen, men of note. 
In half tamed hamlets ambushed round with woods."* 

All through May there was great activity, trying to organize an army. 
Men who were popiilar enough to get from 40 to 60 others to follow them 
organized companies. Those from New Hampshire, not liking Cambridge, 

*From "Under the Old Elm," by James Russell Lowell. 

SO 



went ovor to ^lodfiircl. wliere they askod John Stark, nn (>\(\ huntor, trnpper 
and veteran of the French and Indian wars, to take charge of them until 
the Xew Hampshire Provincial Conjrress could act. As there became too many 
for one regiment, James Reed, of Fitzwilliani, was asked to command the 
surplus. 

About the first of June the Xew Hampshire Congress commissioned Stark 
and Keed as Colonels, ratified the organization which the men had already 
made, and ordered them to put themselves under the command of General 
Ward of Massachusetts. 

Stark remained at !^^edford, but on June 13th Reed's regiment was ordered 
to a position near Charleston Xeck. 

The men were enlisted for eight months and prol)al)ly about half of those 
who responded to the Lexington Alarm became members of this permanent 
organization. 

The Xew Hampshire Committee of Safety took a census in the fall of 
l7Tr>, which showed thirteen Packersfield men then "in the army". As this 
vns at a later date than the battle of "Bunker Hill," where two were killed, 
the original number appears to have been fifteen. 

As nearly or quite all of these, and many others, like Griffin, who 
subsequently settled in the town, were in this battle, it is a matter of peculiar 
interest, meriting a detailed description. 

Boston then was a small town on a peninsula with a narrow connection 
with the main land at Roxbury neck. 

Xorth of it, only a short distance away, across the mouth of the Charles 
River, was the little peninsula of Charlestown. The broad end of the latter, 
toward Boston, was about half a mile wide. Its length was a little short of 
a mile. On the farther side of it was the Mystic River. From the shore next 
to Boston the land rose gradually till at the further and narrow end, called 
Bunker Hill, it was about 125 feet above sea level. This peninsula only 
e*;cap>ed being an island by having a causeway on its northern extremity 
which was sometimes covered by water at high tide. 

Standing on Beacon Hill in Boston and looking across, on the right-hand 
corner could be seen Moulton's Point, and on the left-hand corner the village 
of Charlestown. 

As Boston was almost surrounded by water, and the British had fortified 
Roxbury neck, the Americans saw little chance, as things were, of doing any 
harm to the garrison, which now numbered ten thousand veteran troops. 
Their few little cannon would not carrj- far enough. A council of war was held 
and the proix»sition was made to go on to Charleston peninsula and fortify 
Bunker Hill, fi-om which they could command not only the better part of 
Boston, but the shipping in the harlx)r. There was much ditference of opinion. 
Generals Ward and Warren were strongly opposed to it, but were overruled, 
when a rumor came that the British were about to come over and occupy the 
hill themselves So. in the evening of Friday, June Ifith. n detachment under 
command of Colonel William Prescott, consisting of about 30) of his own 
regiment and details from several others, gathered on Cambridge Common, 
and, after prayer by Rev. Samuel Langdon, President of Hnr^•ard College, 
marched off on an expe<lition, the nature of which was only knowTi to Prescott 
and one or two other officers. They marched across Charleston neck and then 

81 



halted while it was made known to all that the orders were to erect a redoubt 
on Bunker Hill. A school history that some of us used in our child- 
hood, states that they missed Bunker Hill in the darkness, and by mistake 
fortified Breed's Hill. This is hardly accurate. They knew all the time per- 
fectly well just where they were. A discussion having arisen as to whether 
the order meant the top of the hill, they finally concluded that it was allow- 
able to go a little nearer to Boston, and marched on half a mile till they got to 
the edge of Charleston village, where they could plainly hear the sentinels 
across the water, in Boston, challenge and call the hours, with "All's well". 

"Bunker Hill" was then a well known locality. It was owned by Nehemiah 
Rand, grandfather of Dr. Nehemiah Rand, who lived many years in Nelson, 
His residence was in Charlestown, and he was by trade a hatter. That after- 
noon his two dAvelling houses and his shop were burned and he and his family 
compelled to flee for safety. 

The place selected had previously no name other than Ebenezer Breed's 
cow pasture. That is why the battle that took place there is commonly called 
"Bunker Hill". The name Breed's Hill was subsequently invented by some 
one who favored exactness of description. 

Pick axe and shovel were quietly and vigorously plied, and when daylight 
broke there was a little square fort with earthwork walls about four feet high. 
The British ships of war and gunboats began at once to bombard it, but no 
great harm was done. 

During the forenoon the walls were strengthened till they were six feet 
high. 

Meanwhile the diggers began to grtmable. They were hot and tired. 
Food and drink, which had been promised, did not come. Neither did a relief 
party which had also been promised. And worse than this, there were indica- 
tions that the British, in large force, were about to attack them. 

Many messengers were sent to General Ward at Cambridge, but for a 
long time he refused to believe that Cambridge was not the place that would 
be attacked. Finally, however, he ordered the two New Hampshire regiments 
to go to Prescott's assistance. 

Meanwhile the British were coming across and landing at Moulton's Point, 
and Prescott discovered that all of his command were not the stuff that 
heroes are made of. He could control his own men, but not those from other 
regiments. Many concluded that the entrenching tools must be moved at 
once to Bunker Hill. They went back with them and never returned. 

In excuse for this conduct it may be said that they saw floating batteries 
on both sides of the neck firing at the causeway and a force, several times 
their number, moving to attack in front. It looked as though they were in a 
trap and had been abandoned to their fate. 

It was a- welcome sight to those that remained steadfast when, about three 
o'clock in the afternoon, they saw Reed's Regiment coming over the top of 
Bunker Hill. 

At the head of the column was Towne's Company of three officers and 
fifty -two men, among whom, in addition to Griffin, were Joseph Felt, David 
Marshall, Isaac Stanhope and John Breed. 

A great cheer went up from the redoubt, which was heartily returned. 



A little later Stark's men came in sight. They were late from having 
had to march about four miles. As they approached the neck and found that 
it was raked by heavy fire, Captain Dearborn suggested tliat they quicken 
their pace while they went across, but the Colonel refused, saying that he 
was not going to have his men winded; that one fresh man in action was worth 
a dozen who were fatigued. They accordingly kept a steady step and did 
not straggle — all things considered, a wonderful performance! 

Reed's Regiment, when they got their orders, were practically without 
ammunition. Marching to a house they were using as an arsenal, each man 
received there a gill of powder, 15 bullets and a flint. As the bullets were all 
of the same size, while hardly two men had guns of the same calibre, the 
first thing many of them had to do was to whittle or pound them down small 
enough so they could ram them home. A few who had boxes made up cart- 
ridges, but most of them put the powder in their horns and the bullets in 
their pockets. 

When Griffin's company reached the foot of Bunker Hill they took off 
their packs and coats — it was n blazing hot day — and left them in an old 
house. "When they came back later British cannon balls had set the house 
on fire and most of their property had been consumed. 

Thej' all reached the front except one man. The story of how they lost him 
is thus told in Kidder's History of New Ipswich: 

"One Peter Lowell, who had always been the greatest braggart in the 
company, upon reaching the Neck where the shot were flying, was suddenly 
taken with a severe bellyache, and asked permission to retire. Xo one listened 
to his complaint for some time, but at last Captain Towne, fearing his dis- 
order might become contagious, gave him leave to go, but Peter was afraid 
to go alone and asked that some one might accompany him. This was asking 
quite too much and Captain Towne, drawing his sword, told him if he did not 
instantly scamper he would run him through. Peter took to his heels and 
was never seen in camp afterwards. It was said he never stopped running 
till he reached home." 

As they approached the redoubt the condition of things they discovered 
was this: The remnants of Prescott's detachment were in the redoubt. Just 
outside on the left some 150 Connecticut men were trying to erect a defensive 
barrier. On the other side of the redoubt there was no support. At Moulton's 
Point there were more than 3,000 British troops about to advance and obvi- 
ously intending to move along the Mystic and take the redoubt in flank and 
rear. 

There was very little time to do anything. Colonel Reed sent Captain 
( rosby's Company to Prescott's assistance, and with a few other troops they 
WL-re stationed on the right in houses on the Main street of Charlestown village 
at the foot of Breed's Hill. 

The rest of the men got busy trying to provide some sort of protection. A 
: al fence ran part of the way from the nt-igliborhood of the retloubt diagonally 
toward the Mystic. They pulled down other lences to strengthen and prolong 
this and, for want of anything better, stuffed hay between the rails. The 
neighboring field had been mowed the day before and the crop left in cocks 
ami uinriius. 

83 



Behind this flimsy breastwork they formed and waited for the attack that 
was already approaching. Stark's men coming later fell in on the left, still 
nearer the river. They had only a few minutes to work and the barrier of 
stones and rails they erected was so low that the men had to kneel behind it 
to secure cover. 

In the battle that followed there were on the firing line at least 30 men, 
and probably more, who had either come from Packersfield or subsequently 
lived there, .and we know very nearly where most of them were stationed. 

On the extreme right, in Charlestown Tillage, as members of Captain 
.Tosiah Crosby's Company, were Xathaniel Barrett and Solomon Kittredge. 
They fought there until driven out by the great conflagration hereafter 
mentioned. 

In the redoubt, members of Colonel William Prescott's Regiment, were 
Benjamin Bigelow, S.amuel Cummings. Xehemiah Pierce and the brothers 
Joshua and Martin Lawrence. Prescott came from Pepperell and was well 
known in neighboring towns over the border, so many New Hampshire men 
had enlisted with him. Bigelow, enlisted from Packersfield, was soon after 
mortally wounded. 

On the left of the redoubt, between the Connecticut men and Reed's regi- 
ment, was a small detachment of John ISTixon's regiment that arrived late 
Among them were Sergeant Uriah T\'heeler. Ezra Smith and Shadrach Hill. 
(See Uriah Wheeler.) 

Then came the rest of Reed's Regiment with probably 15 others, viz : 
Benjamin Wheeler, James Phillips. David Marshall, Xehemiah Wright, Ed- 
nmnd Taylor, Ebenezer Tolman, the Scriptures, father and son, John Adams, 
John Stroud, John Breed, Corporal John Buxton, Isaac Stanhope, Joseph 
Felt, and Samuel Grifiin. 

Thomas Baker came with a small detachment of Josiah Whitcomb's Regi- 
ment in the midst of the battle. All that is kno\\ai about them is that they fell 
in somewhere "at the rail fence," probably with Reed's men. 

Then there were Henry Bemis, William French, Samuel Felt, Joseph Stan- 
ford, and Samuel Bassett, who eventually belonged to Paul Dudley Sargeant's 
Regiment. Mr. Frothingham, in his History of the Siege of Boston, says 
that this Regiment was only partly organized on the iTth of June, and that the 
New Hampshire men enlisted for it fought in the regiments of Stark and 
Reed. William French, enlisted from Packersfield, Avas killed. Colonel 
Sargeant lived at Amherst, 'N. H., and his regiment was mostly composed of 
New Hampshire men. 

During the day there was terrible confusion at Cambridge. General Ward, 
a feeble old man, was unequal to the occasion, and he did not have sufficient 
staff even to carry his orders. Late in the day orders were issued sending 
most of the troops there to the front, but in some instances they never reached 
those for whom intended, and very few who received them got farther than 
the neck, or at most Bunker Hill. This is not surprising, for in the haste, in 
some cases, ammunition was not issued, — there was scarcely any to issue, — 
and officers as well as men were without experience and discipline, and many 
of the former incapable and unfit. Besides, as has been already noted, anyone 
with half an eye could see that once on the peninsula it would be very hard 
getting back again. 

84 



WTien the first attack was made the New Hampshire men were about all 
ihe reinforcements that had come. As the fight went on a few arrived as indi- 
viduals or in scattered groups. No regiment, and hardly a company, came 
as a body. 

Seth Pomeroy, a man of seventy years, and Dr. Joseph Warren, both of 
whom had just been commissioned Generals, came with muskets in hand and 
reported to Prescott, refusing commands and volunteering to fight in the ranks. 

Warren, when his friend P^lbridgo Gerry remonstrated, quoted the line of 
Horace, "Dulce et decorum est pro pntria mori". — It is sweet and glorious 
t<i die for one's country'. He had done so before night. 

"And thus Warren fell ! Happy death I Noble fall ! 
To perish for Country at Liberty's Call! 
Should the flag of invasion profane evermore 

The blue of our seas or the green of our shore. 
May the hearts of our people re-echo that cry, — 

' 'Tis sweet, Oh, 'tis sweet for Our Country to die.' "* 

James Otis, formerly the most eloquent patriotic leader, till an attack by 
ruffians almost killed him and left him insane, getting into his confused brain 
an idea of what was going on, left his sisters' house at Watertown, procured 
a musket at a wayside farmhouse, and he, too, a pathetic figure, came to the 
redoubt. 

On the other hand, sad to say, the nxunber of those watchfully waiting on 
Bunker Hill was nearly as great as that of those risking their lives on Breed's 
Hill. 

Those actually on the firing line, all told, were -only between 1,400 and 
1,500 men, more than two-thirds of whom came from New Hampshire. 

Officers as well as men carried muskets, and very poor firearms most of 
them were, — many being the work of village blacksmiths. They were effective 
only at short range. 

Up the slope came the British, General Howe in person commanding in 
front of the fence. 

The patriots who saw the sight were never tired of telling how magnifi- 
cent their enemies looked; with their red coats, white breeches and black 
li'ggins; just out of barracks, everything spotless; with polished belt plates and 
gun barrels glistening in the sun. While, in contrast, the Americans had only 
their farming clothes, which had not looked any too well when they left home, 
two months before, and had not been improved by being slept in for that 
I>eriod, usually on the bare ground. 

At the redoubt some of tlie officers ran along the top of the parapet and 
kicked up the guns of those who wished to fire too soon. "Wait till you see 
the whites of their eyes'', and "aim at their waistbands'' was passed along the 
line. In front of the fence an officer paced off thirty yards, stuck up a stake, 
and threatened to do all kinds of violence to anyone who dared to fire until 
tlie redcoats passed it. 

The British bogan firing at long range, but were met with silence until it 
seemed as though there was none to opjwse them. Then came a crash, every 
>hot carefully aimed. After that each man fired at will and the fifteen bullets 
disappeared rather fast, especially as some put in more than one at a time. 

* From "The Death of Warr«n," bjr Ep«a Sargent. 

85 



In about fifteen minutes there was nothing left in front but a fleeing mob, 
leaving the hillside covered with their dead. 

Meanwhile General Putnam "Old Put," who had come on the field and was 
supposed to be in command, went back to Bunker Hill to try and get reinforce- 
ments to come up, but, in spite of his fiery language, they would not budge. 
Being a church member he was subsequently called to account for some of his 
remarks, and apologized, saying, however, that it was enough to make an 
angel swear. 

He did not come back to the line himself, which occasioned some com- 
ment. Many years after Xehemiah Wright, in his pension application, said 
that he understood Putnam retreated back to Cambridge. This was an echo 
of what many others had said on previous occasions. 

The British reformed and came up again. The fight was hotter than before. 

Meanwhile, the roofs of Boston, and every neighboring hilltop were black 
with people viewing the great sight. There probably never was another battle 
that furnished such a spectacle. 

Again they were driven back, and it was hoped that it was the end, but, 
after a long delay and the arrival of reinforcements from Boston, they came 
a third time. 

Charlestown was set on fire and under cover of the smoke the redoubt was 
approached closer than before. Even then they would have failed, but the 
ammunition of the Americans at the redoubt became utterly exhausted. They 
flung stones and clods of earth, but having no bayonets could not withstand 
the British as thej- swarmed over the walls. 

Those at the fence remained long enough to cover the retreat of those from 
the redoubt, and then sullenly fell back themselves in good order, having fired 
literally the last possible shot. 

The British losses, especially in front of the rail fence, were something 
terrible. A letter from Boston, written July 5, 1775, says "most of our grena- 
diers and light infantry, the moment they presented themselves, lost three- 
fourths, and many nine-tenths of their men. Some had only eight and nine 
men to a company left ; some only three, four and five." 

Every officer on General Howe's staff was cut down and only one survived 
his wounds. 

Major Pitcairn died in front of the redoubt. (See "William Barker and 
Shadrach Hill.) 

Their total loss was a thousand and fifty-four, of whom eighty-nine were 
commissioned officers. The American loss was four hundred and forty-nine. 

There have always been many disputes as to just what took place, and dif- 
ference of opinion as to the wisdom of many things that were done. On one 
thing everyone has agreed, — that the conduct of the New Hampshire troops 
was magnificent. 

Living in Charlestown at this time and seeing the battle was Josiah Parker, 
a lad eleven years old. His home was one of over 400 that were destroyed. 
The family then moved to Wilton, N. H. The following year his father 
enlisted and died in the service. Young Parker subsequently settled in 
Packersfield and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. 

General Simon Goodell Griffin has the following as to his grandfather's 
experiences on the retreat, — 

86 



"Deacon Samuel Griffin was in Heed's regiment at the battle of Bunker 
Hill on tile north side of the hill towards the My.stic River. There was but one 
bayonet in the regiment. They had tired away all their cartridges and were 
waiting for the British to come up again, when looking suddenly roiuid they 
discovered the Retl Coats coming upon them from the rear. They fled to the 
river. The man-of-war Glasgow and two floating batteries were lying there 
to cut them down. They flred upon our troops but did no injury for, keeping 
an eye on them our men would drop into the water when they tired, then 
up and wade as fast as possible, and thus escaped." 

Griffin came to Packersfleld as early as 1779, subsequently married Sophia, 
daughter of Rev. Jacob Foster, and settled on the top of the hill above the 
"George Hardy" place on the left-hand side of the road leading to ^Mr. Wayland 
P. Tolman's. 

He soon became very prominent in the town's affairs, and continued so the 
rest of his life, being a Justice of the Peace, holding important offices for 
many terms, and serving on numerous committees; for example — at a Town 
-Meeting held September 10, 1787, when they were building the new meeting 
house, as Town Clerk he recorded, "Voted to treat the Spectators with Liquor 
on the Common on the Raising Day at the Discretion of a Committee to be 
Chosen for that purpose. Voted that 

S.xMUEL Griffin, Esq., ^ 
De.xcon Solomon Ingalls I Be a Committee 
Mr. S.xmuel Warren, ^ for the 

Deacon William Barker, j above purpose." 
Lieut, Peletiah Day. J 

In 178S he represented Packersfiold and Dublin as a delegate to the con- 
vention that adopted the Federal Constitution. 

In ISOl was chosen a Deacon of the Church. 

Died January 29, 1911, and is buried in the cemeterj- on the Town 
( ommon. « 

JAMES GROVER. 

In Captain Samuel White's Company (known as the Seventh or West 
Company) of minutemen of Mansfield, Mass., in Colonel John Dagget's Regi- 
ment which marched on the alarm of April 19. 1775. as far as Roxbury. 

Also in Lieut. John Dean's Company of Colonel John Dagget's Regiment 
which marched to Rhode Island on the alarm of December 8. 1776. 

Came to Packersfield about 1777. Said to have lived on the Amos Brjant 
place north of Tolman p<nul. now owned by Mr. Wayland P. Tolman. 

lOXATHAX HAILD (Heald). 

Born in 1760. At the outbreak of the war living in Acton, Mass. 

In Captain David Wheeler's Company of Colonel Nixon's Regiment, at 
siege of Boston, 1775-1776. Shown on pajToll of January' 15, 1776, but lengrth 
of service not known. Xamc on roll siwi'lled Ileald. 

July 7, 1777, enlisted in Captain Abishai Brown's Company of John Rob- 
inson's Regiment, and served in Rhode Island for five montlis and twenty- 
«ight days. 



Died in Packersfield, April 14, 1811, and buried in the cemetery on the 
Town Common. 

XOAH HAKDY. 

Born in Hollis, N. H., in 1758 and a resident there in 1775. 

Under date of August 9th, 1832, he made a Pension Declaration, now on 
file at Washington, showing the following services — all confirmed by the 'New 
Hampshire Rolls: 

1. In the year 1776 went to "Winter Hill, near Boston, to visit a brother 
in the army (three brothers and also his father are said to have sei^ved), and 
while there, on February 5th, volunteered to take the place of one Samuel 
Wheeler in Captain Spaulding's Company, of Colonel Reed's New Hampshire 
Regiment, and served six or seven weeks until Wheeler's return. During this 
period the British evacuated Boston. (See Samuel Felt.) 

2. In April, 1776, enlisted for nine months in Captain Timothy Clement's 
Company of Colonel David Oilman's Regiment, and marched to Portsmouth, 
N. H. Was stationed on New Castle Island, with a detachment under the 
command of Major Mooney, engaged on the defense of Piscataqua Harbor. 

3. About the last of June, 1776, men were requested to enlist out of his 
company to go to Ticonderoga to reinforce the army that was retreating from 
Canada. (See Solomon Kittredge.) He volunteered and became a member 
of Captain William Harper's Company of Colonel Isaac Wyman's Battalion of 
750 men. They were mustered at Haverill, on the Connecticut River, July 16, 
1776, and marched to Ticonderoga, where they were stationed on Mount Inde- 
pendence, and there Hardy remained until his discharge, November 20, 1776. 

4. At the time of the Burgoyne Invasion, in 1777, enlisted in Captain Daniel 
Emerson's Company of Colonel Moses Nichol's Regiment of Militia that 
marched from Hollis in June as far as Walpole, N. H., when they met a 
messenger from Colonel Bellows, who ordered their return. They turned 
back, but on July 5th were ordered to march again and proceeded as far as 
Cavendish, Yt,, at which place they met Colonel Bellows and his troops on 
their retreat. 

5. In August, 1778, volunteered in Captain Daniel Emerson's Company 
of Colonel Moses Nichol's Regiment, that marched from New Hampshire and 
joined the Continental Army in Rhode Island and was in the attack upon the 
British by General Sullivan. This service lasted about a month. (See Timothy 
Bancroft.) 

6. In 1780 enlisted in Captain Benjamin Spaulding's Company in Colonel 
Moses Nichol's Regiment, raised by the State of New Hampshire to reinforce 
the Continental Army in New York. Marched to West Point ; stationed there 
for about three months, during which time Arnold's treason occurred. (See 
David Kimball, Josiah Melville, Philip Atwood, John Breed and Joshua Kit- 
tredge.) In service from July 7th to October 21st. 

This last enlistment was from Packersfield. The others were from Hollis. 
The circumstances of the event that nearly wrecked the American cause 
were these (see Quackenbos' "History of the U. S.," page 277) : 



"General Arnold, whose services at Quebec. Stillwater and elsewhere we 
have mentioned in high terms, had been placed in command at l^liihidelphia 
after its evacuation by the British, but had there been guilty of dishonesty 
and made himself generally offensive to the inlutbitants. By order of Congress 
he was tried before a court-nuirtial, and, in compliance with its verdict, was 
reprimanded by Washington. This punishment, though well deserved, excited 
in Arnold's soul a fierce thirst for vengeance and left him no rest till lie liad 
devised a plan for betraying liis country to the enemy. Professing unaltered 
attachment to the cause he had defended with his blood, lie solicited the com- 
mand of "West Point, at that time the most imix)rtant post in the hands of 
the ^\jnericans. Having received the desired appointment in consideration 
of his previous services, he forthwith proposed to General Clinton to betray 
the fortress into his hands. Clinton, who believed that the loss of this post 
would put an end to the rebellion, gladly listened to the offer, and sent Major 
Andre to confer with the traitor on the conditions of the surrender. 

Andre sailed up the Hudson on the Vulture, a British sloop-of-war, landed 
in the evening a few miles below West Point, and shortly after midnight 
was met by Arnold in a thicket near the shore. Here the details of their 
sclieme were discussed in whispers; but morning dawned before they had 
finished, and they withdrew to a house within the American lines. In the 
course of the morning (September 22nd) the terms were settled. Arnold was 
to receive £10,000 and the rank of Brigadier-General in the British Army. 

Clinton was to ascend the river and appear before West Point, which would 
be given up after a show of resistance. Plans of the work and a statement 
of its condition were given to Andre, who concealed them in his stockings. 
The bargain having been concluded, Arnold returned to his headquarters at 
IJeverly Robinson's house, after giving Andre a pass, with which in the evening 
lie set out for New York City. Taking the east side of the river, he reached 
the neighborhood of Tarrytown in safety; but there, ahnost within sight of 
the British lines, he was stopped by three patriots, John Paulding, Isaac Van 
Wart and David Williams. Supposing from what they said that they were 
royalists Andre avowed himself a British officer; but, on discovering his mis- 
take, he produced Arnold's pass, and begged that he might continue his jour- 
ney. The suspicions of his captors were aroused, and insisting on a search of 
liis i)erson. they discovered the important papers already mentioned. Refusing 
to release him, even for ten thousand guineas, they bore him U) the nearest 
American post. The officer there in command, not suspecting Arnold, sent 
Andre to his quarters with a letter explaining why he was detained; but, on 
consultation with others, the order was countermanded. Andre was taken to 
Xorth Salem, whence he wrote to Washington, informing him of his name 
and rank, and the circumstances in which lie was placed. 

On the morning of Andre's arrest, Arnold expeeteil Washington at liis 
quarters; but, as the letter did not arrive, he sat down to breakfast with his 
family. While there a letter was placed in his hands, announcing Andre's 
capture. Calling his wife upstairs, he told lier that they must part at once. 
l)erhai)s forever, and bade her a hasty adieu. Mrs. Arnold, who was unac- 
quainted witli her husband's treacherous designs, dismavetl at his words, fell 
fainting to the floor. Hastily kissing his infant boy. who lay osloep in the 
cradle, the traitor left the house by an unfrequented path and escaped in his 

89 



barge to the Vulture, which lay a few miles below. Here he not only refused 
to give the boatmen their fee, but even offered to surrender them as prisoners 
to the British. The Captain of the Vulture, however, despising his meanness, 
paid the men and let them go. 

Washington presently arrived at the Robinson House, and, not finding 
Arnold, crossed to West Point. Here he was equally unsuccessful. Returning 
to Robinson's, he soon had an explanation of Arnold's absence in the news 
of Andre's capture and the papers found on his person. Unfortunately, it was 
too late to arrest the traitor." 

General Griffin has the following: 

"Dea. Noah Hardy was in the army from this town, and was at West 
Point when that place was sold by Arnold. "When the treason was discovered, 
orders were given for all the soldiers to remain in their quarters. An officer 
coming along. Hardy asked what it meant, and was told that the place had 
been sold to the British — that Arnold had gone over to them — that spies were 
about, and the orders were issued for the purpose of capturing them. 

The day Arnold left, "Washington arrived there on a visit to West Point 
entirely unsuspicious of what had happened. Hardy saw him when the papers 
taken from Andre's boots were handed him. He said Washington took them, 
read them with evident emotion, then crumpled them in his hands and 
crammed them into his pockets — walked a short distance and back, took them 
out and looked at them again, and again crammed them into his pockets and 
retired to the Commander's station. Presently horsemen were seen darting 
out this way and that and riding at full speed across the country. Arnold 
had sent detachments of the troops out into the country under one pretence 
and another, and had had the guns unlimbered for repairs, all for the pur- 
pose of putting the place in the worst possible state for defence, so that the 
British might easily take it in case his schemes failed. These horsemen were 
sent out to call in those detachments and very soon the place was again 
prepared for defence." 

Hardy was present also when Andre met his fate, which Quackenbos 
thus describes (page 280) : 

"Washington now fixed his headquarters at Tappan, and Andre was con- 
veyed thither under a strong escort. He was tried by a court of fourteen 
generals, among whom were Lafayette, Greene, Steuben and Stirling. The 
prisoner conducted his own defence, and made a plain statement of the facts, 
denying that he was a spy, inasmuch as he had entered the American lines 
on the invitation of an American general. The court, however, after long 
deliberation, pronounced him a spy and sentenced him to death. Andre was 
a brave, amiable and accomplished man, and his sentence, though just, excited 
the sympathies of Americans as well as British. Clinton tried every means 
to effect his release. Washington proposed to exchange him for Arnold, but 
gladly as the British general would have done this, he felt that he could not 
honorably break his faith even with a traitor, and reluctantly declined the offer. 
The sentence was carried into effect on the 2nd of October. Andre showed no 
fear of death, but asked to be shot instead of hanged. Even this last request 
"Washington felt compelled to refuse. The remains of the unfortunate officer 
were bvuried near the place of execution, but were afterwards disinterred and 

90 



taken to London, where lliey now rest in Westminster Abbey." (See David 
Kimball.) 

Ilardy came to Packer>lield in 1779 and was the ancestor of all of that 
name that have since lived in town. Located on the hill a quarter of a mile 
north of the Bancroft place. His wife was Sarah Si>offord. (See David 
Spofford.) 

Was a skillful cooper and carried on that trade in addition to farming. 

Said to have been rather small in stature, but mentally alert, argumenta- 
tive and strong willed. 

Very active in town affairs for many years. 

Chosen deacon of the church in 1811. Spent his last years with his 
daughter Hannah, Mrs. Benjamin M. Buckminster, in Antrim, X. H., and 
died there December 21, 1835. 

ERASTUS HARraS. 

Born in Wrentham, Mass., April 8, 1731. 

Like William Barker, William Follette and probably some of the other 
early settlers, Harris had been a soldier in the French and Indian wars, en- 
listing from Medway. The rolls that have been presen-ed show the following: 

1. Was a private in Captain Benjamin Wood's Company from August 26 
to December 13, 1775, in the expedition against Crown Point. 

2. March 29, 1758, enlisted in Captain Cox's Company in Col. Buggies' 
Regiment, but the length and nature of service is not shown in any roll now 
on file. 

3. In 1759 is shown as one of the men from Capt. Jonathan Adams' Com- 
I'uny of Col. Francis Bindley's Regiment "for the invasion of Canada." Age 
-7 years at time of enlistment. 

4. In 1760 ending November 2nd was a Sergeant in Captain John Taplin's 
Company of Colonel Frye's Regt. at Fort Cumberland. 

When the Revolutionary War broke out in 1775 he was rather old for 
field service, but undoubtedly was the Erastus Harris of Medway, who : 

1. Served as Sergeant in Major J. Fullers Company commanded by Lieut. 
Moses Adams in Colonel John Smith's Regiment, which marched in response 
to the Lexington Alarm April 19, 1775, being credited with 11 days' service. 

2. Served as Sergeant in Captain John Homes* Company of Colonel 
•Tonathan Reed's Regiment of Guards from April 1 to July 4, 1778, at 
< ambridge. 

An Erastus Harris also served other enlistments, but the identity is un- 
certain. 

Came to Packersfield near the close of the War for Indeiiendence and 
located in what is now Harrisville, where he died December 25, 1806. The 
village took its name from his family. 

LUTHER HEATOX. 

In a company commanded by Captain Davis Howlet, raise*! out of Colonel 
Ashley's Regiment of ^filitia, which marchetl from Keene ti-* reinforce the 
Continental Army at Ticonderoga, June 29-July 3. 1777. 

91 



In Captain Nehemiah Houghton's company of Militia in Colonel Nichols' 
Regiment, raised by the State of New Hampshire, which joined the Con- 
tinental Army at West Point, July S-October 21, 1780. 

Came to Packersfield about 1786, and settled in the south part of the town. 

SHADEACH HILL. 

Son of John Hill; born in Southboro, lEass., July 23, 1744. 

Member of Captain Simon Edget's Company of Minute Men that marched 
from Framingham on the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775, engaged the 
retreating British at Merriam's Corner and in the Lincoln woods, and con- 
tinued the pursuit as far as Cambridge. 

Enlisted at Cambridge, April 24, 1775, for eight months in Captain Thomas 
Druiy's Company of Col. John Nixon's Regiment. 

In battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. 

J. H. Temple, in his history of Framingham, at page 295, says: "Captain 
Thomas Drury of this town was there, and had with him fifty of his com- 
pany, all Framingham men. Part of this company fought in the redoubt with 
Prescott and part were at the hay breastwork. Peter Salem, who shot Major 
Pitcairn, was a member of this company." (See Samuel Griffin.) 

Hill came to Packersfield soon after completion of his term of service. 

August 5, 1777, was chosen a member of the Committee of Safety, his 
colleagues being Captain Eleazer Twitchell, George Brintnall, Seth Cobb and 
Jonathan Drury. 

He lived on what is now known as the Cabot place. Sold it to Thomas 
Richardson in 1784 and left town. 

DANIEL HOLT. 

Born in Andover, Mass., September 11, 1740. During the war lived at 
Wilton, N. H. 

In Captain John Bradford's Company, in Colonel Moses Nichols' Regi- 
ment, raised to reinforce the Northern Army, July 19, 1777. Two months. 
At battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777. (See Richard FarwelL) 

In Captain Josiah Crosby's Company of Colonel Moses Nichols' Regiment 
of Volunteers which marched from the State of New Hampshire and joined 
the Continental Army in Rhode Island, August 5th to August 28th, 1778. 

Enlisted out of Colonel Nichols' Regiment from Wilton, July 13, 1779, 
for six months, in a New Hampshire Regiment commanded by Colonel Mooney 
for the defense of Rhode Island. In Captain Daniel Emerson's Company. 
Promoted Corporal. 

In Captain William Barron's Company of Colonel Nichols' Regiment, 
raised by the State of New Hampshire for the defense of the United States 
in July, 1780, and stationed at West Point. 

February 27, 1781, enlisted for three years in the First Regiment, New 
Hampshire Continental line. Probably in the Yorktown Campaign and at 
surrender of Lord Cornwallis. 

Came to Packersfield soon after his discharge. Located on what is known 
as "Holt Hill" in the Northeast Quarter. 

Said to have removed to some place in New York about 1809. 

92 



JOEL HOLT. 

Bom in Andover, Mass., July 4, 1764. 

In a pension declaration verified July 4, 1S20, he stated tliat his residence 
was Nelson and that **he enlisted at Wilton, Xew Hampshire, in Capt. Isaac 
Frye's Company, in Col. Seammel's Regiment. New Hampshire line for three 
years in February, 1781, and was honorably discharged in December, 17S3." 
He also stated that he is "unable to labor on account of a breach which I 
received in the service." Probably in the Yorktown Campaign and at sur- 
render of Lord Cornwallis. 

Came to Packersfield prior to 1790; probably about 17S6. 

Located north of the Hiram Holt place. 

Died in Milford, N. H., June 28, 1847. 

SOLOMON INGALLS. 

Born in Andover, Mass., June 16, 1750. 

Probably the Solomon Ingalls of Andover who was in service with the 
Northern Army in New York in !^[arch, 1777, as Sergeant in Captain Samuel 
Johnson's Company of Colonel Wigglesworth's Regiment, and later, in same 
year, as Sergeant-Major of Colonel Samuel Johnson's Regiment, commanded 
by Major Gage. 

Came to Packersfield about 1783. In 1784 chosen first deacon of the church 
which had been organized in 1781. It appears that he joined the church by 
letter in 1784, indicating that he had only recently came to town. 

Lived in North East Quarter on a part of the Sawyer place. 

Died near Cape Vincent, New York, September 22. 1840. 

JONATTIAX JEWETT. 

Born in Boxford, Mass., :March 12, 1739. Settled first in Kindge. N. H . 
and the latter part of his life was in Jaffrey, N. H., on what is now known as* 
the Jonathan Comstock place. 

!N[ember of Captain Salmon Stone's Company in Colonel Nichols' Regi- 
ment, General Stark's Brigade, raised out of the Fifteenth Regiment. New 
Hampshire "Militia, Enoch Hale, Colonel, which company marched from 
Rindge in July, 1777, and joined the Northern Continental Army at Benning- 
ton and Stillwater. Service July 21-September 2.'). 1777. At battle of Ben- 
nington, August 16, 1777. (See Richard Farwell.) 

The editors of these sketches are not entirely free from doubt as to whether 
he ever resided in Packersfield for any considerable length of time. His name 
is included in deference to an unqualified statement by General Griffin that 
he was such a resident. When the General wrote his memorandum on the 
subject, about fifty years ago, he had facilities for information not now exist- 
iug. Then, Jcwett had a grandson living in Sullivan or Jaffrey, and relatives 
living in Nelson, with all of whom Griffin was probably personally acquainted. 
The well known Jewett family that flourished in Nelson for several generations 
was, however, not descended from Jonathan, but from Isaac Jewett, who came 
to town from HoUis, N. IL, about 17S8. The latter was lx»ni July :>, 1703, 
and was therefore too young for service at the time of the war. 

93 



DAVID XniEALL. 

Born in Bradford, Mass., April li'th, ITOO. 

There was no better soldier among the many good ones that lived in Xelson. 
His enlistments were as follows, viz.: 

1. When barely 15 years of age, on the 19th of April, 1775, as a minute 
man, he responded to the Lexington Alarm, and marched from Boxford, Mass., 
as a member of Captain John Cushing's Company of Colonel Samuel John- 
son's Regiment. 

2. The next year, 1776, at the age of 16, he formed part of the garrison 
at Ticonderoga, as a member of Captain Richard Peabody's Company in 
Colonel Edward Wigglesworth's Regiment, serving part of the time as Cap- 
tain Peabody's orderly. 

3. On April 21st, 1777, at the age of 17, he enlisted for three years in 
Captain Daniel Lane's Company of Colonel Ichabod Alden's regiment, Massa- 
chusetts Continental Line, and was honorably discharged at the expiration 
of such services. 

4. He then, in 1780, re-enlisted for six months in Captain Wilder's Com- 
pany of Colonel Jackson's Regiment, and served it out, being discharged 
January 10, 1781. His description on this last enlistment was "Age 20 years; 
stature 5 feet 7 inches; complexion light". 

In a very short pension declaration, made July 4, 1820, among other things 
he says : "I was at the Battle of Bemis Heights, so called, or Stillwater." 

General Griffin, after speaking of Kimball's service under Captain Pea- 
body, adds the following interesting information: 

"He was at the battle of Stillwater as a soldier with Arnold and used 
to relate anecdotes of the prowess of Arnold, and tell how like a tiger he fought. 
To him, doubtless, as much as to any one man, belonged the honor of winning 
the victories of Stillwater and Saratoga. Kimball himself, at Stillwater, 
stood behind a small ash tree when the bark, cut away by the enemy's shot, 
spattered in his face, but the bullets went over his head. He, also, was at 
West Point when that place was sold to the British, and saw Andre hung. He 
said he was the finest looking gentleman he ever saw, and when he saw him 
led to the scaffold he thought he would give anything to save so noble an 
officer. He was splendidly dressed in uniform, — a deep blue coat trimmed and 
faced with scarlet, buff breeches, white vest, buff gloves, a cocked hat and 
military boots. When all was ready he did not wait for them to remove the 
plank from under him, but settled into the rope himself. Kimball was also 
at Valley Porge with Washington during that terrible winter of privation and 
famine. He used to speak of Washington, as did all the old soldiers who knew 
him, with the greatest respect and veneration. He said he was a thin, spare 
man "not very smart looking, but always calm and dignified". Kimball also 
went with General Sullivan on his expedition against the Indians and was 
present at the massacre at Cherry Valley." 

Other authorities confirm all this with the exception of what is said as to 
"Valley Forge." That he spent with Washington a "terrible Winter of pri- 
vation and famine" is correct, but the place was the Highlands of the Hudson, 
and the time 1779-80. 

94 



We know a great deal about what happeiud to him, not only because 
Alden's regiment was connected with several of the most notable events of the 
war, but also because two of its officers, Captain Benjamin Warren and 
Quartermaster and Ensign William McKendry kept, from day to day, faithful 
diaries, the greater portion of which have been preserved. 

From October 1. ITTS, till January, ITsO, ^IcKi lulry and Kiml)all were in 
the same company. 

The Lexington Alarm in 1775 and what happened at Ticonderoga in 1776, 
are elsewhere deseribeil. 

"Stillwater". "Saratoga", "Cherry- Valley" and the "Sullivan Expedition" 
were during his third enlistment; Arnold's treason during his fourth. (See 
Noah Hardy.) 

In June, 1777, Burgoyne began hi^^ gn-at invasion from Canada, intending 
to move by way of Lake Chaniplain and Lake George to the Hudson River 
and down it till he joined General Howe in New York, cutting the colonies in 
two and isolating New England. 

His force, consisting of 8,000 regular troops, splendidly equipped, supple- 
mented by a large number of Indians and Tories, on the 17th of June started 
up Champlain, and about the 1st of July approached Fort Ticonderoga, 
situated between the two lakes. 

Before the war England had spent immense sums on the fortifications, and 
both that at Ticonderoga proper and that on Mount Independence, on the 
opposite side of the lake, were extensive and apparently strong. The little 
garrison of about 3,000 men, half of whom were ill, was, however, too small 
to man them, and worse than that, it had been discovered, by actual test, that 
from the top of Sugar Hill, which was not fortified at all, an enemy could 
easily shoot down on every spot in the entire position. 

The American Commander, General St. Clair, therefore, felt obliged, on 
July Gth, to evacuate the stronghold and retreat to the south, abandoning a 
great quantity of cannon and supplies. 

The British immediately hotly pursued, overtook St. Clair's rear guard at 
Hubbardton, and, by force of superior numbers, cut it badly to pieces before 
it could join the main body at Castleton. (See Ebenezer Tolman.) 

With hardlj* a check, Burgoyne reached the Hudson and began to move 
dovni toward Albany. On July 30th he captured Fort Edward on its eastern 
bank, and the patriot forces fell back successively to Fort Miller, Saratoga 
and Stillwater. (See Diarj- of Captain Warren below.) His supplies, however, 
were running low, and he had to wait until more could arrive from Canada. 

Meanwhile, New England had been aroused and militia were hastening to 
the scene. Some tried to reinforce the garrison at Ticonderoga, but turned 
back when they learned the place was taken. (See Noah Hardy, John Far- 
well.) Others kept on. seeking to join the remnants of the Northern Army 
that was striving in vain to check the invasion. 

The British General finally b«came impatient and, hearing that there were 
stores of corn and cattle at Bennington, only a few miles eastward, resolved 
to seize them. The attempt ended in complete disaster. Not only did he 
obtain no supplies but, in a fight with the militia under General Stark, on 
August ICth, he lost over 1,000 of his best men. (See Kichard Farwell.) 

95 



On September 13th, he crossed to the west side of the Hudson at Saratoga, 
twelve miles above Stillwater, where the patriots, resolving to make a final 
stand, had been collecting an army of mixed Continentals and Militia, and had 
occupied a ridge called Bemis Heights. 

This force was larger than that of Burgoyne, but undisciplined and poorly 
equipped, lacking especially artillery, of which the British had an excellent 
train. The x\merican leaders, therefore, decided that they would have a better 
chance by fighting in the woods, and took their position accordingly — hence 
Kimball's ash tree. 

A battle took place September 19th, and was stubbornly contested from 
noon till late at night, without definite results. It has been variously called 
the "Battle of Stillwater," the "First Battle of Saratoga," and the "Battle of 
Bemis Heights." The British called it "Freeman's Farm." 

Benedict Arnold commanded on the left wing and behaved with his accus- 
tomed vigor, gaining great admiration from the rank and file, who made 
invidious comparisons between him and other officers, thereby fanning 
jealousies which were much too hot before. 

There had long been bad blood between Arnold and General Gates, his 
immediate superior, and when Gates, in his report of the battle, made no men- 
tion whatever of Arnold, the latter expressed his opinion in rather unmilitary 
language; whereupon Gates relieved him of his command, and appointed Gen- 
eral Lincoln in his place. Arnold started to leave camp and was only induced 
to stay by the written request of all the general officers except Gates and 
Lincoln. 

October 7th, the British attacked again and at first were successful. 
Arnold had been fretting in his tent and drinking heavily for several days. 
In the midst of the battle, though having no command, he rushed on the field 
and rode between the lines more like a frenzied madman than an officer. His 
old soldiers cheered, followed him, and engaged the enemy hand to hand. His 
horse was shot and he was wounded in the thigh, just at the moment when the 
Americans won a decisive victory. This was doubtless what Kimball had in 
mind when he spoke of Arnold's fighting "like a tiger." 

" 'Forward !' he shouted, and spurring on through the sally-port then. 
Fell sword in hand on the Hessians, closely behind him our men. 
Back shrank the f oemen in terror ; off went their forces pellniell, 
Firing one Parthian volley ; struck by it, Arnold, he fell. 

Benedict Arnold, the traitor, sank deep in the pit of shame. 
Bartered for vengeance his honor, Ijlackened for profit his fame; 
Yet never a gallanter soldier, whatever his after crime. 
Fought on the red field of honor than he in his early time."* 

Popular opinion made him the h?ro of the second battle, and even 
when, after his treason, his name became a byword of contempt, some of 
the patriots always qualified the infamy with the remembrance of Saratoga. 
•'Cut off the leg that was wovmded at Saratoga," said one of them, "and bury 
it with all the honors of war; and then hang his body on the nearest tree." 

The Xew Hampshire and Massachusetts militia continued to arrive, till 

♦From "Arnold at Stillwater," by Thomas Dunn English. See Ebenezer Tolman 
and Noah Hardy. See also extract from Captain Warren's Diary of October 7. 



finally Burgoyne was entirely surrounded, and on October ITth, he was obliged 
to surrender all that was left of his army — about 5,S00 men. 

This was the greatest victory won in the entire war, unless perhaps the 
surrender at Yorktowoa. No wonder Kimball was careful to mention the fact 
that he participated. It really was the turning point of the conflict, corres- 
ponding with Gettysburg in the Civil War, and ranking among the fifteen 
decisive battles in the history of the world. 

For a long time Benjamin Franklin had been trying to obtain aid in 
France. Says Lecky,* the historian, "It is probable indeed that the French 
ministers were undecided until the tidings arrived, in the first week of 
December, of the surrender at Saratoga. In these tidings they heard the 
knell of English dominion in America, of English greatness in the world. 
Their decision was speedily taken. On the 17th of the same month they 
informed the American Commissioners that they were resolved to enter into 
a treaty of Commerce with America, to acknowledge and support her Inde- 
pendence, and to seek no advantage for themselves except a participation in 
American Commerce and the just political end of severing the cojonies from 
the British Empire." 

The portion of Captain Warren's diary relating to this campaign is pub- 
lished in the Journal of American History, Vol. 3 (1909), beginning at 
page 201. The very first entry is to the effect that July 21st, 1777, near Fort 
Edward, five men out of thirty-four of a scouting party under command 
of Captain Lane (Kimball's Company) arrived and reported all the others 
cut off by the Indians. On the 22nd seven more came in and reported all 
the others killed or captured. (Captain Lane was exchanged September 17th.) 
That afternoon there was a hot fight. "The enemy consisted mostly of In- 
dians * * *. By great tracks of blood where they drew off we judge 
their loss was considerable. We had eight killed and fifteen wounded on 
our side." 

And so on, daj' after day, it was almost continuous fighting. For example, 
"July 24th. This day about nine o'clock we heard a number of guns; sent out 
to know the cause; found a Lieutenant named Saw^-er and a Sergeant killed 
and scalped * * * on which a scout of two hundred men were sent out to 
scour the woods." "July 26th. This morning came an express informing that 
Major Whiting (of Alden's Kegiment) was attacked * * * in which 
a Lieutenant and seven were killed, and a number wounded. They also took 
two women out of a house, killed and scalped them. Our people repaired to 
the fort, defended it and drove them off." July 27th. He says the body of 
Miss Jane McCrea, murdered and horribly mutilated, was brought in and 
buried. (This was an event mentioned in all the school histories.) July 
28th. "This morning early was alarmed with news that Col. Loring's pickets 
were surroundetl at Fort Edward * * *. We had orders to pack up all and 
retreat to a hill about two miles above Fort Miller; on our march down the 
Indians crept between our rear guard and the body and killed and scali^ed 
an inhabitant that was watching his pigs." July 30th. "The Indians to the 
numb<>r of four hundred attacked our rear on both sides." July 31st. "This 
morning at gun firing turned out; drew provision for men; set them cooking, 
being twenty-four hours since we ate anything; before we had it cooked, 

• Hlslorr of England In the Elf hte«nth Centurr. 



ordered on our march again for Saratoga * * *, Arrived at a plot of 
ground below Schuyler's Creek, Saratoga * * * dirty, hungry, weary and 
wet; lodged in our wet clothes. Slept pretty well." 

There is much more of the same sort. Under these conditions young 
Kimball must have found a soldier's life rather strenuous. 

Monday, August 18th. Warren records that news had come of Stark's 
»jreat victory two days before at Bennington. (See Richard Farwell.) 

He thvis describes the battle of "Stillwater" or first "Saratoga" on Septem- 
ber 19th: "About two o'clock the action began on our left, between their 
advanced guard and Capt. Morgan's* who was a flanking party; he beat them 
back to the main body. This action lasted half an hour; the enemy soon 
reinforced and advanced. The engagement began again at 25 minutes after 
three o'clock, with great spirit on both sides. We beat them back three times 
and they reinforced and recovered their ground again till after sunset without 
any intermission, when both parties retired and left the field. We took a 
field piece twice and they retook it and carried it oflP with them * * *. 
September 20th. "The loss of the enemy was very great ; the field was covered 
with dead almost for several acres. The hottest battle and longest that was 
ever fought in America. The enemy hove in all their British troops the last 
reinforcement and its generals." 

Of the second battle of October 7th he says : "We marched up on the right 
of Col. Morgan's* riflemen to their lines, within ten rods of a strange fort; 
fought them boldly for better than half an hour, when they gave way, left 
the fort and fled. Our people marched in and took possession of their cannon 
and 600 tents, standing with baggage, &c. The fire was very hot on both 
sides. The fields are strewed with the dead * * *. Their loss is, by their 
own confession, 1,500 killed and wounded; what our loss is I cannot tell, but 
17 are killed and wounded in our regiment." 

After Burgoyne's surrender most of the Northern Army joined Washington 
in "the Jerseys" and wintered at Valley Forge, Pa., near Philadelphia. (See 
William Parker.) Alden's regiment, however, was kept in the neighborhood 
of Albany and did active service of various kinds. 

In April orders came for it to march south, but Governor Clinton of 
jSTew York wrote Washington so earnestly protesting, that it was allowed 
to remain a little longer. This was due not only to the danger from the 
enemy, particularly Tories, but also distrust of the reliability of some of 
the other troops. 

McKendry (see Proceedings of Massachusetts Historical Society, Second 
Series, Vol. II, page 442) under date of May 14th wrote: "Col. Alden's Regt. 
mustered. A great day of rejoicing at Albany for the news received from 
France. Fired 52 cannon, 3 volleys from small arms. Gen. Conway had the 
command." 

The news was that of the French alliance, made more than four montlis 
before, indicating how slowly news travelled in those days. 

Beginning in the Wyoming Valley (near what is now Wilkesbarre, Pa.) 
July 1st, 1778, and sweeping up through Central New York, which was then 
the extreme western frontier, occurred a series of terrible Indian massacres, 

• This was Daniel Morgan, formerly Captain, now Colonel, who had been a prisoner with. 
Ebenezer Tolman at Quebec. 

. 98 



which the historian Van Tyne wuU calls "the surj^assing horror of the Revo- 
lution." What happened to the fleeing settlers may be illustrated by one 
incident mentioned by Prof. Fiske. "A hundred women and children perished 
of fatigue and starvation in trying to cross the swamp which has since been 
known as the "Shades of Death," &c. 

Appeals came in for help and, on July 10th, Kimball's regiment, under 
command of Lieut.-Col. Stacia, Col. Alden being on leave of absence, left 
Albany in great haste under orders to proceed to Fort Stanwi.x (also called 
Fort Schuyler), about one hundred and twenty miles away, near the present 
site of Home, New York. 

It is interesting to note that the last thing they did before starting was 
to turn out, on July 9th, and subdue another regiment that had mutinied. 
As McKendry records it: ''Col. Alden's Rcgt. Mustered. Turned out and 
took Col. Wheelock's Eegt. for refusing their duty." 

They reached Fort Stanwi.x at G a. m. on the 18th, evidently having driven 
cattle along with them, for McKendry wrote, on the IGth, "Capt. Ballard's 
cow broke her leg." 

Hardly had they begun to enjoy "fresh Sammon brought to this fort by 
Indians, Six Shillings per sammon £ money," when "An express arrived from 
the Southard, another from Albanj% with orders from Gen. Stark for Col. 
Stacy to march his Regt. to Cherry Valley." 

Tlie latter place was a settlement about sixty miles west from Albany. 

What they found there is thus stated by Capt. Warren : 

"Friday, July 24th, 1778. Soon after we began our march came ou a 
heavy rain. About four o'clock arrived at the garrison, which was a meeting 
house picketed iii, with a large number of distressed inhabitants crowded in, 
men, women and children; drew some rum for the men and placed tlieni in 
their several quarters. The inhabitants received us with the greatest tokens 
of joy and respect, and it was like a general gaol delivery; they began to take 
the fresh air and move out into the nearest houses from their six weeks con-# 
finement in that place. 

Saturday, July 25. This morning shifted my linen and went out, having 
a very good night's rest, after our fatigue, having marched now one hundred 
and eighty miles, with stopping but two days during the whole march. 

Sunday, July 2Gth. This morning, after roll call, went down to the gar- 
rison, and from thence to the Colonel's quarters ; about eleven o'clock returned 
to the garrison, where we had a sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Johnson, 
from the words 'Be of good courage and play the man for our iKKiple, and 
to the cities of our God, and the Lord will do what seometh him good.' "* 

Rev. Mr. Johnson was a refugee who had sought protection while his sons 
cnlistetl, and scouted. Quartennaster ilcKendry hastened to pay his res|)ects 
to the regular local parson: "Went to Rev. Mr. Dunlops, and drank sillabub 
while diiM'oursing the old (ientleman about sundry affairs." 

On July 30th Col. Alden arrived. On August 1st CJeneral Ten Broock, 
in a lettor to Governor Clinton, writes: "I forgot to mention that Alden's 
regiment is at Cherry Valley, and that it consists of something better than 
200 men, as I am informed." 

This little force had an immense territory to patrol — a territ'^ry swarming 

• 2 '5'in> i'>»h cbap., 12th Terse. 



U'ith Indians and Tories.* They passed a summer full of great anxiety, 
activity and danger, October 9th leading citizens of Cherry Valley sent to 
the General in command of the district a statement of the power of their 
enemies, saying: "Some of these Villans have been apprehended at the 
Butternuts and elsewhere on the Frontiers since Col. Alden came amongst 
us, and by his means, who has acted with great activity and prudence in 
Subduing these Eebbels to the States," but adding that his force was entirely 
too small and asking that it be increased. 

Meanwhile, the life of the garrison had its cheerful side as well as that 
which was tragic. For example, McKendry, after an account of the destruc- 
tion by the enemy of the village of German Flats — 44 houses being burned — > 
and the turning out of the regiment in pursuit, follows it with these, to him, 
important items: 

"October 6, 1778. Col. Stacy and Capt. Ballard had a horse race. Col. 
Stacy won the bet." 

October 15. "Went to the Salt Springs in the evening. Wet my appoint- 
ment— Wine— 28 dollars." 

October 23. "Sergt. Elijah Dickerman and Letty Gibbens was Married 
at the house of Jams Richey in Cherry Valley by the Eev. Mr. Johnson, late 
of Tunadilla. Drank seven Gall. Wine." 

Though the writer was undoubtedly a valiant man with the flagon, probably 
the other guests assisted him on the "seven Gall." 

The "appointment" which he found it so expensive to "wet" was that of 
"Ensign" in Kimball's company. Prior to that he had been Regimental 
Quartermaster. His diary shows that he had always been particularly intimate 
and friendly with Captain Lane. From the time of their arrival at Cherry 
Valley they had boarded together at the house of Mr. Richey "20 rods from 
the fort." Sergeant Dickerman was a fellow townsman of Mclvendry's from 
Stoughton, Mass. Very likely the latter knew how much wine was consumed 
from the fact that he contributed it. The young couple survived the disaster 
that came a few days later. 

Colonel Alden was a great grandson of "Why-don't-you-speak-for-yourself 
John" Alden and Priscilla, of Plymouth, a man of fine character and of con- 
siderable ability, but some thought him of too trustful a nature and too much 
of a gentleman to deal properly with Indians and Tories. 

Perhaps they were right. At any rate, on November 10th, the scouting 
parties having been killed or captured, so no alarm came in, the place was 
surprised by a force numbering over 800 men, composed of about 50 British 
regidars, 250 Tories and 500 Indians. The attack came so suddenly and with 
such violence that most of those caught outside the stockade could not reach it. 

Colonel Alden and 13 soldiers were killed, scalped and otherwise mutilated. 
Lieut. Colonel Stacia, 4 other ofiicers and 11 soldiers were captured, stripped 
naked and driven before the Indians into the forest; 32 civilians, mostly women 
and children, were killed on the spot in the most barbarous manner; 60 more 
taken prisoners; every building outside the stockade burned, including 20 
houses and 25 barns; all live stock driven off and all provisions destroyed or 

♦ New York furnished over 15,000 men to the British Army, and had In addition over 
8,000 organized Tory militia. 

300 



carried away. The details (if the massacre were as horrible as anything in the 
annals of Indian warfare. 

The aged wife of Kev. Samuel Dunlap was in the house of her married 
daughter, Mrs. liobert Wells. All the people at that place were killed. Mrs. 
Dunlap's body was hacked to pieces, one leg and an arm cut oflF, &c. Little 
Aaron, a Mohawk Indian who had been befriended by Mr. Dunlap, saved the 
minister's life for the time being, but he died of grief shortly after. Colonel 
Stacia was held a captive for over four years. 

Prof. Fiske says: "Many other atrocious things were done in the course 
of the year, but the affairs of Wyoming and Cherry Valley made a deeper 
impression than any of the others. Among the victims there were many 
refined gentlemen and ladies well known in the Northern States, and this was 
especially true at Cherry Valley." 

Major Daniel Whiting rallied the survivors and they defended the so- 
called "fort" for two days and finally drove the enemy away. 

On November 13th Whiting made an official report, concluding as follows: 

"When we were first attacked we had not a pound of bread per man in 
garrison; had it not been for a barrel of powder and half a box of cartridges 
belonging to the town our ammunition would have failed us. One scout, a 
Sergt. and 8 men that went by the Butternuts has not been heard of yet. 
We have a soldier with his log broken that is necessary to be amputated. The 
Surgeon has no instruments." 

McKendry always consideretl the weather the most important thing for 
entry in his diary. He did not forget it even on the day of the massacre. 
After faithfully recording the names of his dead comrades he concludes with 
"a rainy day." 

On November 13th Warren wrote : "Brought in the dead. Such a shocking 
sight my eyes never beheld before of savage and brutal barbarity; to see the 
husband mourning over his dead wife with four dead children lying by her 
side, mangled, scalpt and some of their heads, some of their legs and arms cut 
off, some torn the flesh off their bones by their dogs — 12 of one family* killed 
and 4 of them burnt in the house," &c. 

The following year the regiment had its revenge. 

There are three muster rolls verified at Cherry Valley which bear Kim- 
ball's name. One of them dated February 24, 1779, is headed "Return of men 
who were in camp on or before August 15, 1777, and who have not been absent 
subse<iuently, cxceiit on furlough," ic. On the basis of this the General Court 
of Mass. paid each man a small gratuity, which doubtless was welcome, as at 
this time the regular pay of a Private, nominally $G.60 a month, was paid in 
Continental bills that had depreciated till it took ten to be equal to the face 
value of one. A year's pay, therefore, was only equivalent to about eight 
dollars in real money. 

Before Kimball got through, instead of ten to one. the rate was abimt fifty 
to one. At the best, a soldier got hardly more than board and clothes. Enough 
is recorded here to indicate what kind of board, and how many clothes. (See 
William Parker.) 

Calling their quarters "Fort Alden*' they remained there under the com- 

• Tbe famlir of Robert Wella. 

101 



mand of Major Whiting until tlie following summer. Meanwhile, McKendry's 
diarj- has many interesting items, for example: 

February 26, 1779. "Moved from ye meeting house into ye Blockhouse, 
west end of ye Fort, with Capt. Lane and ye Company." 

April 9. "Capt. Lane marched from Fort Alden to Fort Schuyler with 
2 Subs., 3 Serj., 3 Corpls., 52 Rank and file." 

April 29. "This day Capt. Lane arrived in Fort Alden from his Scout. 
Informs that he had been with a party under the command of Col. Van Scoik, 
and cut off three Indian Castles at Onidauga. Killed GO, took 33 prisoners, 
burned 47 houses and large quantities of corn — not one of the parties killed." 

Campbell's Annals of Tyron County, page l^Sl, makes the astounding state- 
ment that this expedition returned to Fort Schuyler in just five and a half 
days after leaving it; during which time they had been in two engagements and 
"had marched one hundred and eighty miles." With other booty they brought 
back 100 captured muskets. 

The person whom McKendry calls Van "Scoik," was Colonel Goose Van 
Schaick. May 10, 1779, in the Continental Congress, it was "Resolved — 
that the thanks of Congress be presented to Colonel Van Schaick and the 
officers and soldiers under his command for their activity and good conduct in 
the late expedition against the Onondagas." 

Greater events of the same kind were at hand. On June 14 came an order 
to hold themselves in readiness to march at an hour's notice, and on the 18th, 
at 11 A. M., they left Cherry Valley behind for ever and hastened to join an 
army coming up the Susquehanna with the purpose of pimishing the "Six 
Nations," so-called, i. e., the great Indian tribes — Mohawks, Oneidas, Onon- 
dagas, Senecas, Cayugas and Tuscaroras, so thoroughly as to break their 
power forever. 

The leader of the enterprise was Major-General John Sullivan of Xew 
Hampshire. One of his Brigade Conmianders was Enoch Poor of New Hamp- 
shire, and Kimball's regiment was placed under Poor's command, together with 
the First, Second and Third New Hampshire. 

There is not space to describe in detail what happened. It is enough to 
say that the expedition was a great success. It swept through the entire Indian 
country, leaving desolation in its wake. Poor's Brigade especially dis- 
tinguished itself, on August 29th, in the principal engagement, called the 
battle of "Newtown", near the present city of Elmira, where the State of New 
York has erected a magnificent memorial monument. In an address, delivered 
on its dedication. Rev. David Craft, among other things said, "The horrors 
of Wyoming, of Cherry Valley, of the West Branch, of Minisink and German 
Flats, were fresh in their recollections, and many of the soldiers had lost some 
of their nearest relatives in these strifes, where savage hordes and Tory out- 
laws held high carnival. There is a tradition that, as Poor's men began the 
charge up the hill, some one said: 'Remember Wyoming', which was taken 
up along the line as the watchword and battle-cry of the hour." 

"Whether this is true or not, it is certain that the Indians and Tories 
never forgot "Ne^^•town". 

Lieut. Col. Henrj' Dearborn,* commanding the Third New Hampshire, 

* A fellow prisoner with Ebenezer Tolman at Quebec. Also at Bunker Hill. See Samuel 
Griffin. 

102 



kept a diary which has been preserved. The following entry, made September 
14th, evidently under the effects of deep emotion, is significant of the kind 
of warfare in which they were engaged, — "Here wo found the bodies of Lt. 
Boyd, and one other man Mangled in a most horrid manner. From appear- 
ances it seems they ware tyed to two trees near which they lay & first severely 
whippt them. Their tongues were cut out, their finger-nails plucked off, their 
eyes plucked out, then speered & cut in many places & after they had vented 
their hellish spite & rage, cut off their heads and left them. This was a 
most horrid spectacle to behold & from which we are taught the necessity 
of fighting those more than devils to the last moment rather than fall into 
their hands alive." 

McKendry describes the same thing more coherently, with further sick- 
ening details. 

In Col. Cilley's First New Hampshire was Private Xathan Davis of Hano- 
ver, who wrote an interesting account of the campaign, which has been printed 
in the Historical Magazine for 1SC8, at page 205. 

Of a lighter character is his description of what happened as they again 
apiiroachod the edge of civilization, i. e., the fort at Tioga Point: 

"Our clothing consisted of a short rifle frock, vest, tow trousers, shoes, 
stockings and blanket. Marching nearly the whole time in the woods among 
the thick underbrush, it may well be supposed that we had but little left of 
our clothing on our return to the garrison. Our feet were many of them 
bare and bleeding. * * * When we came within a few miles of the fort an 
express was sent to the garrison for provisions. Wo halted until the pro- 
visions came, and with it a few kegs of whiskey. We remained here a day 
or two to recruit our almost famished bodies, when we again struck our 
tents and paraded, ready to march at the given signal. Immediately we 
received orders to stack our arms and every man to powder his head as white 
as the snow on the Alpine Mountains. This order could not be complied witli, 
as there was not an ounce of flour among the whole of us. The Commander 
being informed of it, he sent posthaste to the garrison for a horseload of flour. 
In the meantime every man was ordered to shave his face and to put an 
evergreen bough or bush on his hat. The flour having arrived, and being 
distributed, we immediately fell to whitening each other's sconces. No one 
could be exempt from this duty. Not a n^ro or mulatto could escape the 
honor of a white top to his neck. And of all the spectacles ever exhibited 
to the eyes of man I The sight of nearly 3,000 men in rags and tatters, nearly 
naked, with the remaining part of their garments hanging in streamers behind 
them, must have afforded merriment even to the most grave and sanctimo- 
nious. When our officers came on the ground and behold our truly ludicrous 
appearance they could not suppress the loud laugh ; and even our Chaplain for- 
got his gravity." 

On October l.')th. they reached Easton, Pa., and the narrative continues: 

"^Vh^le here wo were ordered to attend divine service under arms, in a largo 
meadow, to return thanks for the signal success of the expedition and the 
unsurpassed health of the troops. A discourse was delivered by the Rev. Ira 
Evans of New Hampshire." 

Probably Evans was the man that "forgot his gravity." Some say his front 
name wa.>* Israel instead of Ira. 

103 



McKendry records the long march that followed, through Pennsylvania 
and New Jersey, and from there up to the Highlands of the Hudson. 

''Nov. 15. This morning the Regt. marched on and crossed the river 
and arrived in Westpoint 2 o'clock p. m. and encampt in the bush one mile 
and 1/2 down the River — came 8 miles. 

"Nov. 16. Some snow tonight. 

"Nov. 17. Cold and blustering weather." 

And then began what General Griflfin well describes as "that terrible 
winter of privation and famine." (See Samuel Scripture, Jr.) 

McKendry very soon gives a hint of it, — 

"Nov. 22d. This is the fifth day that the troops have drew no hread on 
this Point as there was none." 

It was the darkest hour of the war. Almost everyone, except "Washington, 
was thoroughly discouraged, and it is not surprising that Arnold thought 
the game was over, and it was high time to sell out to the enemy. (See 
Noah Hardy.) 

Still, no sooner was Kimball discharged, after three years' service, than 
he enlisted again for six months. 

After the war was over he married Lydia Simmons of Boxford, came to 
Packersfield, and settled on the place now owned by Mrs. Ellen R. Houghton, 
south of the farm of Dr. E. N. Hardy, who is one of his descendants. From 
April 21, 1818, a pension was granted to him. 

He died in Nelson, October 18, 1842, and is buried in the cemetery on the 
Town Common. 

JOSHUA KITTREDGE. 

Born in Tewksbury, Mass., March 15, 1761, son of Thomas Kittredge, 
who was also a Revolutionary soldier. He was in the fourth generation from 
John Kittredge who came from England and settled in Billerica, Mass., prior 
to 1655. 

August 16, 1832, made a pension declaration, now on file at Washington, 
from which, and the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Rolls, it appears 
that he served three enlistments, viz. : 

1. April 2, 1778, enlisted from Tewksbury in Captain John Moore's Com- 
pany of Colonel Jonathan Brewer's Regiment of guards and served three 
months and two days guarding "troops of convention," i. e., prisoners from 
Burgoyne's army, at Cambridge. 

2. October 7, 1779, enlisted in Captain Joshua Leland's Company of 
guards and was stationed at Cobble Hill near Boston, in the battalion of 
Major Nathaniel Heath, garrisoning a fort, for upwards of a month. 

3. In May, 1780, then living at Amherst, N. H., enlisted at Lyndeborough, 
N. H. and marched to West Point, N. Y., where he was assigned to Captain 
McGregor's Company of Colonel Courtland's Regiment. Was selected to join 
the light infantry under General Lafayette and marched to Elizabeth town 
and elsewhere in New Jersey. Discharged in November, 1780. 

He mentions that his service was "the same year that Arnold escaped from 
West Point," indicating that he was there at the time. 

At sometime prior to 1787, he settled in Packersfield and purchased the 
farm now occupied by Mr. James E. Ruffle. His first house was at the foot 

104 



of the hill near the present ruins of the olil mill. Built the house, which is 
now standing, about 1797, from lunihcr which he cut and fashioned on the 
place. 

Besides carrying on the farm, operated a saw mill on the place now owned 
by Mr. Nordstrom. 

Died in Nelson, Februarj- 18, 1834, and is buried in the cemetery on the 
Town Common. 

Was the ancestor of the Kittredpe families subsequently living in the 

tOWTl. 

SOLOMON KITTREDGE. 

Born in Tewksbury, Alass., in 175G; eldest sun oi .Solomon Kittredge, Sr., 
and in the fourth generation from John Kittredge who came from England 
and .settled in Billerica. Mass., prior to 1G55. In 1775 Solomon was living 
at Amherst, N. H. 

His military' record was an interesting one. As shown by his pension 
declaration, verified April 24, 1818, corroborated and supplemented by the 
New Hampshire Rolls, he served three enlistments, viz: — 

1. May 17, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain Josiah Crosby's 
Company of Colonel James Reed's Regiment, and he swears that he "was 
in the Battle of Bunker Hill so called" June 17, 1775. (See Samuel Griffin.) 

2. On his discharge in January, 1776, reenlisted for one year in Captain 
Daniel Wilkin's Company in Colonel Timothy Bedel's Regiment of the New 
Hampshire line. 

The regiment was raised for guarding the frontier along the Connecticut 
River. Hardly was it organized before news came of the disaster to the 
expedition, under Arnold and Montgomery, against Quebec (See Ebeuezer 
Tolman). and they were ordered to join the Northern Continental Army 
in New York for reinforcing our array in Canada. 

They marched to Ticonderoga, thence to St. Johns, where they were 
engagetl, and finally had another battle with a superior force of British 
and Indians at a place called "The Cedars," about forty-five miles southwest 
from Montreal. 

Col. Bedel was absent at the time and the subordinate officer, Major 
Butterfield, in command, was considered by his men a coward when, against 
their protests, he surrendered. The promise of protection to the prisoners, 
made by the British officers, was promptly broken, and they were left to 
bo plundered, tortured and in some instances killed by the Indians. Those 
who remained alive were taken to an i.sland in a lake near the "Two 
Mountains" where they were kept naked, without shelter, and almost without 
food, for about ten days, till General Arnold succeeded in securing their 
exchange. 

Some of tliem had the smallpox at the time. The Indians took their 
clothes with the others and caught the disease therefrom, with disastrous 
results. This may have salved the feelings of the suflFercrs a little. 

In New Hampshire State Paiiers, Vol. 14, at page 476, is the following 
petition, signed by Kittredge, and twenty-two others: — 

"To the Honorable the Council and House of Representatives to 
be convened at Exeter, in New Hampshire on the 10th day of March, 
1779— 

105 



The Humble Petition and Remonstrance of the Company Com- 
manded by Capt. Daniel "VVilkins, in Col. Beedel's Regt. in Canada, 
hiimbly sheweth that on ye 19th of May, 1776, we unhappily fell into 
the hands of our unnatural and savage Enemy at the Cedars in 
Canada, when Major Butterfield, our commanding officer. Capitu- 
lated with Capt. Foster of the British Army to the great grief and 
surprise of said company, on the following terms, viz: that we sur- 
rendered ourselves as prisoners of war, and was to deliver up our 
arms which accordingly we did, and we was to have our packs and 
Baggage, — and Capt. Foster Engaged not to suffer the savages to 
plunder or abuse us, nor suffer the British troops so to do. But con- 
trary to the Rules of War, they inhumanly without regard to their 
promise, suffered the savages to rob and plunder us of our packs 
and baggage, and strip us of our clothes off our backs, and left us 
entirely naked. In this deplorable condition we were left in an 
enemies' country without money, clothing or friends that could con- 
tribute to our relief. — Therefore your humble petitioners humbly pray 
that your honors would take the matter under consideration and grant 
to each prisoner a sum something adequate to the loss he sustained, 
and your Petitioners will gratefully acknowledge the favor and as 
in duty bound will ever pray." 

Kittredge received, in response to such petition, an appropriation for 
his clothes of six pounds, sixteen shillings, sixpence. This came however 
more than three years after he lost them. It does not appear how his 
temporary embarrassment was relieved. 

Served out his term and was discharged at Stillwater in January, 1777. 

3. July 19, 1777, enlisted in Captain John Bradford's Company of 
Colonel Moses Nichols Regiment raised to reinforce the Northern Army, 
gathering at Stillwater, to oppose the advance of Burgoyne. In his pension 
declaration he says "1 was in Bennington Battle so called." His company 
there played a very important part. (See Richard Farwell.) 

About this time took up his residence in Packersfield for there is a 
record in the Town books that a son Solomon, Jr., was born to him there 
September 28, 1778, and a daughter in 1780. 

Lived on what was subsequently known as the James Clark place in the 
northeast quarter. 

Later, probably before 1800, moved to Mount Vernon, where he died 
October 22, 1845, aged 90 years, 2 months and 19 days. 

He frequently visited his relatives in Nelson, descendants of Joshua 
Kittredge. The late Russell H. Kittredge could recall one such visit in his 
own boyhood. 

JOSHUA LAWRENCE. 

Born in Pepperell, Mass., April 18, 1753. Son of Joseph and younger 
brother of Martin Lawrence. 

In Captain John Nutting's Company of Minute Men in Colonel William 
Prescott's Regiment that marched from Pepperell, Mass., on the Lexington 
Alarm on April 19, 1775. 

April 25, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain John Nutting's Com- 
pany of Colonel William Prescott's Regiment. His brother Martin was in the 
same company. Probably both were at Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. (See 
Samuel Griffin.) 

106 



Under date of Xovcmhcr 20, 1773, Breed Bntcheller deeded to Joshua Law- 
rence of Pepperell. land in the Northeast Quarter of ^Monadnock Xo. G (after- 
wards Packersfield). 

Lawrcnco took up his residence in Packersfield a few years later, and is 
fihown in the U. S. Census of 1790. lie married lUith, daughter of David 
Nims, and eventually settled near Roxbijry Center. Died May 29, 1827, and 
is buried in the lioxbury Cemetery. 

MARTIN LAWRENCE. 

Born in Pepperill or Groton, Mass., May 17, 1751. Brother of Joshua. 

A member of Capt. John Nutting's Comi)any of Col. William Prescott's 
Regiment of Minute Men which marched on the 19th of April, 1775. Service 
G days. 

April 25, 1775. enlisted for eight months in Captain Nutting's Company 
of Colonel Prescott's Regiment. Residence given as Packersfield. On Com- 
pany return dated Cambridge, October 2, 1775, reported "sick and absent." 

Was probably in the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. (See Samuel 
Griffin.) 

Was living in Packersfield at the time of the U. S. Census of 1790. Settled 
on what is now known as the Barstow place, north of the Burnap place. 

He died February 6, 1S22, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town 
Common. 

JOHN LE BOURVEAU. 

One of the earliest settlers, not later than 1771. 

In 1774 had 13 acres cleared, 5 more cut and had erected a "Pole House," 
which he occupied with his family. 

A member of the Board of Selectmen, chosen March 15, 1774, and of the 
committee on correspondence, chosen January 20, 1775. 

Was probably one of the 27 that marched from Packersfield April 21, 1775, 
in response to the Lexington ^Vlarm. 

Soon afterwards moved to Keene. evidently prior to April, 177C, as his name 
does not appear among the Packersfield signers of the Association Test. 

Member of Captain John Houghton's Company of Colonel Baldwin's 
Regiment sent to reinforce the Continental army in New York in 177G. 

Jklember of Captain David Howlet's Company, out of Colonel Ashley's Regi- 
ment of Militia which marched from Keene to reinforce the Continental Army 
at Ticonderoga, in June, 1777. 

Died in Keene, March 15, 179G. 

.lONATHAN LOVEJOY. 

Born in Hollis, N. H., July 3, 1754. 

Elnlistod from Hollis in November or December, 1775, in Captain Noah 
Worcester's Company, part of a force of 2,000 men raised by New Hampshire 
to take the place of the "eight months men" whose terms were expiring. 
Served in siege of Boston until its evacuation about the middle of March. 
1776. 

No roll of this company containing the names of all the men is known to 
exist. Lovejoy's name is given in History ol Hollis by S. T. Worcester, page 
i:s. 

107 



Came to Packersfield in 1791 and settled on what is now known as the 
Livermore place. 

Died there July 21, 1825, and buried in cemetery on the Town Common. 

JOHN McEIAN. 

In 1777 reported as having enlisted from Packersfield for three years 
Continental service "in Captain Smith's Company belonging to the Train" 
(See Solomon Fairley). 

See N. H. State Papers Vol. 14, page 576. 

Martha McRian, widow, was living in Packersfield in 1779. 

BANNISTER MAYNARD. 

Born in Shrewsbury, Mass., April 5, 1761. During the war living at 
Templeton, Mass. 

1. In Captain Josiah Wilder's Company of Colonel Nathan Sparhawk's 
Regiment, commanded by Major Daniel Clapp. Enlisted July 4, 1778. Service 
13 days at Rutland Barracks. 

2. In Captain Jonathan Houghton's Company of Colonel Josiah Whitney's 
Regiment raised for service in Rhode Island, July 31, 1778, to September 
14, 1778. 

3. His name also appears in list of nine months men for Continental Army 
mustered July 2, 1779, by Thomas Newhall, Muster ^Master of Worcester 
County. In Captain Wilder's Company of Col. Grout's Regiment; age 17, 
stature 5 ft. 8 in. ; marched to Springfield July 8, 1779. 

Came to Packersfield about 1786. Lived on what was afterwards called 
the George Dodge place, west of the lead mine place now owned by Mr. Elliot. 
Removed to Templeton, Mass., where he died June 7, 1827. 

DAVID MARSHALL. 

Came to Monadnock No. 6, just prior to 1773. In 1774 had 2 acres cleared, 8 
more cut down and a "Pole House" which he occupied with his family. 
Located in the Southeast Quarter. 

April 23, 1775, enlisted in Captain Ezra TowTie's Company of Colonel 
James Reed's Regiment for eight months. At battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 
1775. (See Samuel Griffin.) 

Signed the Association Test in Packersfield, April, 1776. 

JOSEPH MASON. 

One of the early settlers. Lived in South East Quarter. In 1774 had 
12 acres cleared, 10 more cut over, a "Board" house, a grist mill, and a family. 
Elected "Deer Rive" March 15, 1774. 

Probably one of the twenty-seven men who, under Lieut. Abijah Brown, 
marched from Packersfield April 21, 1775, on the Lexington Alarm. 

Signer of the "Association Test" April, 1776. 

Member of Captain Salmon Stone's Company in Colonel Nichol's Regi- 
ment, General Stark's Brigade, which marched from Rindge and towns 
adjacent in Jvily, 1777, and joined the Northern Continental Army at Ben- 
nington and Stillwater. In battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777. Service 
from July 21 to September 25th. (See Richard Farwell.) 

108 



JOSIAH MELVILLE (Melvin.) 

Was descended from John Melville (or Melvin, as the name was commonly 
corrupted), a Scotchman who, about 1675, settled in Charlestown, Mass., and 
about 16i)5 removed to Concord, Mass., where his great grandson, the subject 
of this sketch, was born August 24, 1758. 

The father of the latter was also named Josiah. His mother was Lydia, 
daughter of Colonel James Barrett of Concord. 

The war of the Revolution is generally con.sidered as having begmi on 
April 19, 1775. Of all the men who ever lived in Nelson, Melville was the 
first to see the British troops in hostile array, anticipating, by perhaps an 
hour or two, William Barker of Acton and Ezra Smith of Sudbury. He 
saw them about eight o'clock in the forenoon, but first heard of them some 
six hours earlier, when began the events of the most exciting day of his life. 

The relations between Great Britain and her American Colonies had been 
going from bad to worse for more than ten years and for two years far seeing 
men had believed a peaceable solution of the estrangement no longer possible. 

September 5, 1774, the First Continental Congress, of delegates from all 
the colonies, met in Philadelphia. The First Provincial Congress of Massa- 
chusetts met in Concord October 11th of the same year, and from that time 
on Concord was a center of agitation. 

The proceedings of the Provincial Congress were secret, but we now 
know that their deliberations were almost entirely on the subject of procuring 
military supplies. 

A second Provincial Congress met at Concord, February 1st, 1775. On 
February 9th they issued an address, "To the Inhabitants of the Massachusetts 
Bay", in which they said — "Though we deprecate a rupture with the Alother 
State, yet we must urge to every preparation for your necessary defense". 

A Committee of Safety was appointed with John Hancock as Chairman, 
and also a Committee on Supplies. On February 1st both Connnittees, in 
joint session, by imanimous vote, decided that the Committee on Supplies 
should at once purchase military stores sufScient, with those already on 
hand, to supply an anny of fifteen thousand men. 

This work was entrusted to Melville's grandfather, James Barrett, Colonel 
of the Middlesex militia, who was a member of the Congress and a man of 
ureat intlucnce and vigor, despite the fact that he was sixty-five years old 
and so lame as scarcely to be able to walk. 

Papers of Barrett, still in existence, show that, within the next six weeks, 
he had made great progress in his task. For example — in one consignment 
lie received, from David Cheever of Charlestown, ten tons of musket balls and 
cartridges. He also had a great quantity of provisions and other supplies, 
all of which were stored in various places in Concord. 

At Concord, too, Barrett had a mill where he made muskets and carriages 
for cannon. There too Timothy Whet^ler was working night and day grinding 
grain and Josiah Meh-ille, Sr., was manufacturing saltpeter for gunpiwder. 

Despite all precautions so much could not go on without the British in 
Boston getting wind of it. On the other hand close watch was kept to detect 
signs of any movement of their trooi)s. 

Secret societies, known as "Sons of Liberty" were organized who made it 
their business to watch for and report hostile preparations, and all over 

109 



New England other organizations known as "Minute Men" were pledged 
to respond instantly to any alarm. At Concord some of the minute men kept 
their muskets constantly within reach, even carrying them to meeting on 
Svmday. 

On April 15, 1775, the Congress at Concord took an adjournment imtil 
!May 10th, but, on April 18th, apprehensions of danger became so acute that 
a call went out for immediate reassembling. That very night the British 
marched from Boston. The object of the expedition was to apprehend 
Colonel Barrett and capture and destroy his stores. 

On the afternoon of the 18th the Committee of Safety met with Barrett, 
at Concord, and made plans for the removal of a portion of such property 
and its distribution in nine other towns. Illustrating the difficulty of doing 
this it may be noted that to Sudbury alone they ordered sent 50 barrels of 
beef, 100 barrels of flour, 20 casks of rice, 15 hogsheads of molasses, 10 hogs- 
heads of rum and 500 pounds of candles. 

At almost the very hour they were in session a hostler at a tavern in 
Boston heard an officer remark "There will be Hell to pay to-morrow", and 
reported it to his friend William Dawes, who told his fellow Son of Liberty, 
Paul Eevere, and the latter lost no time in bringing it to the attention of 
Dr. Joseph Warren of the Committee of Safety. Before dark Warren 
received similar hints from other sources and became alert. In the evening 
there were signs of movement in the garrison, and he correctly surmised 
what was on foot. 

Two roads led to Concord: one by way of Roxbury neck and the other by 
Charleston ferry and Cambridge. Without waiting to see which route 
would be taken, or even for the actual start, Warren dispatched Dawes by way 
of Roxbury and, a half hour later, he sent Revere from Charleston, when, 
by signal lights from the tower of the old North Church, he learned of 

"The muster of men at the barrack door, 
The sound of arms and the tramp of feet, 
And the measured tread of the grenadiers. 
Marching down to their boats on the shore."* 

Every schoolboy knows Longfellow's stirring poem "The Midnight Ride 
of Paul Revere." Few ever heard of Dawes yet his work was fully as important 
as that of Revere. As a matter of fact neither of them ever reached Concord. 

Revere moimted his horse just about 11 o'clock, while the British troops 
were marching dovvTi to the foot of the common. Just as he was starting 
on his mission of alarm Richard Devans, one of the Committee of Safety, 
informed him that as he rode in from Lexington after dark that evening 
he had met ten British officers, all well mounted and armed, going up the road. 
It subsequently appeared that just such a ride as Revere's had been anticipated 
and a number of such parties had been sent in advance to head it off. 

He ran into one of them before he had gone two miles but managed to 
evade it and alarm every house as far as Lexington, which he reached between 
one and two o'clock, and there delivered his message to John Hancock, 
and another prominent member of the Congress, Samuel Adams, who were 
sleeping at the parsonage of Rev. Jonas Clarke. 

• From "Paul Revere's Ride," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 

110 



At the parson's door he was warned by a minute man on f?uard not to 
make so much noise lest he awaken the family who had just retired. 

"Noise," shouted he, "You'll have noise enough before long. The regulars 
are coming out." 

Revere tarried a little to rest his horse while he took a drink at the tavern 
and, before he left, Dawes, who had ridden about 17 miles to Kevere's 12, 
came up and they decided to go on together to Concord six miles away. 

Young Dr. Samuel Prescott, of Concord, who had been making a very late 
call on a Miss Mulliken, of Lexington, to whom he was engaged, volunteered 
to ride with them, show them the way and vouch for their responsibility. 

They proceeded about a third of the distance, Revere ahead, Prescott 
next and Dawes considerably behind, when two men sprang out of the 
darkness by the roadside and ordered tliem to halt. Dawes turned back. Revere 
and Prescott tried to ride do\ni their assailants but two more came to the 
letter's aid and at the muzzle of their pistols the riders were forced into a 
pasture where six others joined them. It was the party of ten British officers 
of whom Revere had previously been warned. 

Mr. Longfellow to the contrary notwithstanding, here ended "The Mid- 
night Ride of Paul Revere," and all the further riding Dawes did was back 
toward Boston. Revere was kept a prisoner imtil about daylight when he 
was compelled to swap his horse for a much poorer one and allowed to depart 
in the direction from which he came. 

Prescott however made another break and, in the darkness, being thoroughly 
familiar with the locality, managed to slip through the hands of his captors 
and make his way, by a roundabout route, to Concord. 

Most of the people there first learned the news a little before three o'clock, 
when Prescott came in and informed Josiah's cousin, young Amos "Melvin," 
one of the minute men, who was on guard at the Court House, and the 
latter fired his musket and wildly rang the meeting house bell. 

Immediately there was great excitement. The people assembled. The 
men organized for the work before them while Rev. William Emer.son (grand- 
father of Ralph Waldo Emerson), the patriotic clergj-man, mingled with his 
people and gave counsel and comfort to the terrified women and children. 

Lossing, in his "Field Book of the Revolution," speaking of what then 
happened, says — "Tho militarj' operations were under the able manage- 
ment of Colonel James Barrett, while the whole male population, and some 
women, aided in removing the stores to a place of safety in distant woods." 

This may bo a rather strong statement but certainly the Barrett and 
Melville families worked and they had help enough so the stupendous task 
was accomplished and when the British marched in between seven and eight 
o'clock there was practically nothing that they could find. 

Young Josiah was then a tow headed, undersized lad of sixteen, lie is 
said to have worked with his cousin Jimmio Barrett, aged fourteen. With 
oxen and cart they helped take load after load, each to a different place in 
the woods, and covered them with pine Ixiughs. Going back and forth the 
boys ran on each side of the oxen goading them- into a trot. 

Besides this, as they were considered too young to fight, they helped 
the women make cartridges. 

Ill 



Some of the stores did not go very far. At the Barrett place there were 
cannon hidden in the hay mow and xmder manure piles. What was apparently 
a garden was hastily ploughed. After one furrow was completed muskets 
were dropped into it and another furrow turned over them, and so on. The 
oxen were not detached from the plough until after the red coats were in 
sight. 

Ahout the same time the last of the musket balls were being put into 
the bottom of barrels in the attic with a covering of feathers above them. 

For an account of how the British marched from Boston to Lexington, 
and thence to Concord, the North Bridge and, finally, to Colonel Barrett's 
house, see William Barker. 

Between eight and nine o'clock they came and the venerable Mrs. Barrett 
was left alone to meet them. 

There were three companies of them, under Captain Parsons, who was 
fairly courteous. The premises were searched but nothing found except a 
few gun carriages which were taken out in the road in front of the house 
and set on fire. 

The troops, having had no sleep the night before and having marched 
some 20 miles on a hot day, were much exhausted and Mrs. Barrett was 
requested to supply their wants. She was in no position to refuse and 
gave them what food and drink there was in the house. Most of them 
offered to pay but she refused saying — "We are commanded to feed our 
enemy if he hunger." Some however insisted and tossed the money into 
her lap. She could only exclaim — "It is the price of blood." 

Before long the firing at the North Bridge was heard and her visitors 
hastily departed. (See William Barker.) 

Thus the stores were saved and the very next day the Committee on 
Supplies began to forward them to the patriot army assembling about Boston. 

The fact that young Josiah and his father had the same name makes it 
impossible to say which was in the garrison at Ticonderoga in 1776. One or 
the other was there. Josiah was then 17 years of age and his father 49. It 
is more probable that it was the boy. 

It is almost certain that Josiah, Jr., was the "Josiah Melvin" of Concord, 
who enlisted July 7, 1777, in Captain Abishai Brown's Company of Colonel 
John Robinson's Regiment and served for five months and twenty-eight days 
on the Rhode Island Campaign. 

"Josiah Melvin, JvM.ior," was a member of Captain George Minot's Com- 
pany of Concord Militia doing service in 1778. 

"Josiah Melvin, Junior" of Concord appears on numerous rolls as one 
of the "Six months men," enlisted in the Continental Army July 10, 1780. 
His description is — "age 21 years; stature five feet five inches; complexion 
light." He became a member of Captain Belcher Hancock's Company of 
Colonel Thomas Nixon's Regiment, Sixth Massachusetts Line, and was sta- 
tioned most of the time with Washington's Army at West- Point. There, 
at the same time, were Noah Hardy, David Kimball, Philip Atwood, Joshua 
Kittredge, John Breed and probably others who afterwards lived in Nelson. 

Melville was there at the time of Arnold's treason aiad when the unfor- 
tunate Major Andre was hung he was one of the guards that marched him to 
the scaffold. (See David Kimball and Noah Hardy.) 

112 



Sometime prior to 1790. he mf)ved to Packersfield and lived at first in a 
small house north of tlio present huildinprs on the hrow of the hill above the 
village. In a shed attached ho opornted a small store. 

About 1795, he built the house which is now standing and, on tho opposite 
side of the road, a largo store which became the center of trade for a region 
many miles about and was a great resort for old soldiers. 

It is said that when they got together there was no event of importance 
in the whole war that some resident of the town could not describe from 
having actually participated in it. 

In later days, when comparatively few veterans were left, an eager listener, 
as they fought their battles over again, was Simon Goodell Griffin, (grandson 
of Samuel Griffin and Nehemiah Wright, both of whom were at Bunker Hill), 
who, as the result perhaps of such inspiration, became New Hampshire's most 
distinguished soldier in the Civil War. Griffin was born in 1824 and was 
therefore twenty -eight years old before Samuel Scripture, the last survivor 
of the Revolution, died in 1852. 

Melville died in Nelson, January 8, 1818, and is buried in the cemetery 
on the Town Common. 

JOHN MORSE. 

Born in 1720. 

Living in Packersfield at the time of war broke out and signed the 
Association Test in April, 177G. 

As he was over military age, it is probable that he did not do field service, 
though some of the records attributed to John M. ^lorse may belong to him. 

Died in Packersfield. January 12, 1806, in his 87th year, and is buried 
in the cemetery on the Town Common. (See John M. Morse.) 

.lOIlX M. MORSE. 

In the Pension Bureau at Washington is the original "Muster Roll of a 
Company of Men Commanded by Cai)t. Othinel Thomas in Col. Runnel's 
Regt. of New Hampshire ^lilitie 1781" in which appears — "John Mors Morse, 
liink Corporal, town Packersfield, engaged September 20th, marched 
( >etober 25." 

At a town meeting held in Packersfield December 13, 1781, it was "Voted 
to raise Two men as a Town to Servo in the Army for the Space of three 
months — John ^forse, John French, Jr. — Voted to raise Twenty-four i>ounds 
-ilver to pay said men." 

"John Morse" was a enri»oral in Captain Josinh Parker's Company raised 
out of Colonel Eiu»eh Hale's Regiment that joined the Northern Array at 
Ticonderoga in 177G. That it was the Packersfield man is suggested by the 
presence of Henry Bemis and James Phillips in the same company. 

The name John Mi»rse also appears on several other rolls. Apparently 
there were persons of that name living at the same time in Packersfield and 
Dublin. 

"John Morse" was a member of Captain John Mellin's Company which 
marched from Fitzwilliam and towns adjacent to reinforce the garrison at 
Ticonderoga on the alarm in June and July, 1777. Among the Packersfield 

113 



men in this Company were James Bancroft, Oliver Wright, John Farwell, 
Thomas Iv. Breed, Joseph Stanhope and Seth Cobb. (See John Morse.) 

JOHN SCARLETT NEWHALL. 

One of the early settlers of Monadnock, No. 6 (afterwards Packersfield 
and Nelson). Came probably before 1772. His name appears on the records 
of meetings of Proprietors in 1773. In 1774 had 4 acres cleared, 2 more cut 
over and a "pole" house which he occupied with his family. 

Signer of the "Association Test" April, 1776. 

Settled on the hill southeast of the Darius Farwell place. 

JOHN NEWMAN. 

March 21, 1781, enlisted from Packersfield in the Continental Army for 
three years. 

JONATHAN NICHOLS. 

Came from Princeton, Mass. 

One of the early settlers of Monadnock No. 6 (afterwards Packersfield 
and Nelson) located in the "Prospect Hill," later called City Hill, region in 
the northeast quarter. His name appears in the records of meetings of 
Proprietors in 1773. In 1774 had 7 acres cleared, 7 more cut over, a house, and 
a family. 

Probably one of the 27 men who marched from Packersfield for Cambridge, 
under Lieut. Abijah Brown, April 21, 1775, on the Lexington Alarm. 

Signer of the Association Test, April, 1776. 

Member of Captain Elisha Whitcomb's Company of Col. Timothy Bedel's 
Regiment of Volunteers raised by order of Congress for an expedition against 
Canada. Service from February 6th to about April 1st, 1777. 

In Captain Samuel Wright's Company in Colonel Nichol's Regiment and 
General Stark's Brigade of Militia, which company marched from Win- 
chester, N. H., and joined the Northern Continental Army at Bennington 
and Stillwater, July 23rd and September 24th, 1777. Probably at battle of 
Bennington, August 16, 1777. (See Richard Farwell.) 

Also, perhaps, member of Colonel Jonathan Chase's Regiment of ]\[ilitia 
which marched from Cornish in September, 1777, and joined the Continental 
Army under General Gates at Saratoga. 

Probably did not remain long in Packersfield. 

BENJAMIN NURSE. 

Born in Reading, Mass., December 9, 1716. Came to Monadnock No, 6 
(afterwards Packersfield and Nelson) about 1772 and settled in the W^est 
part of the town near the Esek Phillips' place. 

Chosen member of Committee of Inspection September 25, 1775, the other 
members being Eleazer Twitchell, John French, Amos Skinner and Abijah 
Brown. 

Signer of the "Association Test" in April, 1776. 

On account of his age probably did not do much field ser\nce. See 
Benjamin Nurse, Jr. 

Died in Littleton, N. H., June 20, 1806. 

114 



BENJAMIN NURSE, JK. 

Born in Rutland, Mass., February 7, 1747. Son of Benjamin Nurse, Sr. 

Signer of the Association Test, in Packersfield, April, 177G. 

!Member of Company connnanded by Captain Davis Ilowlet, raised out 
of Colonel Ashley's regiment of Militia, which company marched from Kccne 
to reinforce the Continental Army at Ticonderoga, June, 1777. Service 
June 29 to July 11. 

Member of Captain John Mellin's Company which marched from Fitz- 
william and towns adjacent to reinforce the garrison at Ticonderoga in 
July, 1777. Sen'ice July G to July 11. 

(Note — Obviously these two engagements could not have been kept by 
the same person. One was probably by Nurse, Sr., and the other by Nurse, Jr.) 

Member of Captain James Lewis' Company in Colonel Enoch Hale's 
Regiment of Volunteers, which marched from the State of New IIami)shire 
and joined the Continental Army in Rhode Island in August, 177H. Service, 
August 8th to 2Sth. 

Died in Keene, April 26, 1841. 

JONAS NURSE. 

Born in Rutland, Mass., July 8, 1757. Son of Benjamin Nurse. 

In Captain James Lewis' Company of Colonel Daniel Moor's Regiment 
of N. H. Volunteers that marched from Marlboro and joined the Continental 
Army at Saratogo in September, 1777. Service September 28 to October 20, 
1777. 

In the same eomi)any were William FoUett, Jonathan Felt, and Samuel 
Wellman. 

Removed to Littleton. N. II.. wlien he died January 31. 1809. 

ZEBEDIAII PAINE. 

« 

Born in 1752. 

At the time of tlie I)reaking out of the war, living in Stoutonham (now 
Sharon), Ma.s.s. 

In Captain Josiah Pratt's Company of Colonel Lemuel Robinson's Regi- 
ment which marched on the Lexington Alarm April 19, 1775. 

In Cai)tain Josiah Pratt's (Stoutonham) Company of Colonel (Jill's Regi- 
ment which marched to Roxbury, ^larch 4, 177G. on an alarm. 

In Captain Lewis Whitney's Company of Colonel Wheeloek's Regiment at 
Ticonderoga. Shown on rolls dated August 27, 177G, and November 11. 1776. 
Age then 24 years. 

Marriinl Sarah, daughter of Thomas Richardson. (See Richardson.) 
Marriage intention nH'<inled in Stoutonliam. ^lay 24. 1777. 

Taxed in PaokersHeld 1786-1791. 

JONATHAN PAKKKK. 

Born in Shrewsbury, Mass.. in 1761. A son of Captain Stephen Parker. 

Was a member of his father's e«nnpany in Colonel Moses Nichol's Ri'giment 
and (leneral Stark's Brigade of New Hampshire Militia, which company 
marched fronj New Ipswich, July 19, 1777, and joined the Northern Con- 

115 



tinental Army under General Gates at Stillwater. Discharged September 26, 
1777. At battle of Bennington, August 10, 1777. (See Stephen Parker, David 
Kimball, and Eichard Farwell.) 

About 1778, with his father, removed from New Ipswich to Packersfield. 

In the History of Temple, N. H., by Henry Ames Blood, page 117, there 
is a quotation from the report of a committee of the ToA\ai appointed to secure 
soldiers for the Continental Army, as follows: 

"June 2G, 1780. We, the committee chosen by the Town of Temple, have 
enlisted Peter Brown and agreed to give him a cow that is worth £4 and 
seven bushels of corn and 1,320 Continental Dollars down, and 38 bushels of 
good Indian corn, ye first of January next, and see his bounty and wages 
eciual to what ye court has promised." 

The author then adds "Jonathan Parker, of Packersfield, and Jacob Lowell, 
were hired at the same rate." 

At this time the paper Continental money was worth less than two cents 
on the dollar in silver. Later it depreciated even further. The expression 
"not worth a Continental" originated in those times, and was full of meaning. 

The name of a "Jonathan Parker" appears on other rolls for both Con- 
tinental and Militia Service. There is little doubt that the Packersfield Parker 
is meant in some or perhaps all of them, but the identity is not certain. 

STEPHEN PAEKER. 

Born in Shrewsbury, !Mass., March 8, 173S; removed to New Ipswich, 
N. H., in 1765, ^'here he resided at the outbreak of the war, in which he 
took an active part. 

1. His name appears on a roll of men who, in response to the Lexington 
Alarm, marched from New Ipswich, under Captain Thomas Heald, before 
daylight, April 20, 1775. 

2. Was a Sergeant in Captain Francis Town's Company of Colonel David 
Gilman's Regiment, raised by the State of New Hampshire in December, 
1776, to reinforce the Continental Army in the State of New York. 

3. In July, 1777, raised and was Captain of a large company in Colonel 
Moses Nichol's Regiment of General Stark's Brigade that marched from 
New Ipswich and joined the Continental Army under General Gates at 
Stillwater, marching July 19, 1777. 

In "The History of New Ipswich," by Frederick Kidder, at page 95, is 
an interesting description, obtained from an eye witness, of the appearance 
of the company, which would probably answer equally well as a description 
of almost any other company in the service. He says: 

"To a man they wore small clothes coming down and fastening just 
below the knee, and long stockings with cowhide shoes, ornamented by large 
buckles, while not a, pair of boots graced the company. The coats and 
waistcoats were loose and of huge dimensions, with colors as various as the 
barks of oak, sumach, and other trees of our hills and swamps could make 
them, and their shirts were all made of flax, and like every other part of 
the dress, were homespun. On their heads was worn a large round top and 
broad brimmed hat. Their arms were as various as their costume; here an 
old solider carried a heavy Queens Arm, with which he had done service at 
the Conquest of Canada twenty years previous, while by his side walked a 

116 



stripliiif? l)o.v with a Spanish fuzoe not half its weight or calibre, which 
his prandfather may have taken at the Havana, while not a few had old 
French pieces that dated back to the reduction of Louisburp. Instead of 
the cartridire box a lar^e powder horn was slunp under the arm, and occa- 
sionally a bayonet mitjht be seen bri«tlinp in the ranks. Some of the swords 
of the officers had been made by our Province blacksmiths, perhaps from 
some farming utensil; they looked sen'iceable, but hea^'y and uncouth. 
Such was the appearance o/ the Continentals to whom a well apjiointed army 
was soon to lay down their arms. After a little exercising? on the old Com- 
mon, and performinj; the then popular exploit of 'whipping the snake,' they 
briskly filed off up the road, by the foot of the Kidder Mountain, and 
through the Spafford Gap, toward Peterboro, to the tune of 'Over the Hills 
and Far Away'." 

This Company was actually engaged throughout the day in the battle of 
Bennington, August IGth, and the night after the battle they assisted in 
guarding the Hessian prisoners, who were confined in the Bennington meet- 
ing house. (See Richard Farwell.) 

Parker came to Packersfield in 1778. His location has been thus 
described: "On City Hill on an old road running east from the Wilson 
place, and where it intersects with another road which runs north and 
south." 

At once became prominent in the town's affairs, being ^rodorntor of a 
Town !^^eeting held September 24, 1778. 

At a Town Meeting held March 29, 1779, was appointed with John 
Adams and Stephen Cobb a member of the Committee of Safety. 

In New Hampshire State papers, Vol. 16, at page 752, is a certificate 
dated April 3, 1780, signed by Stephen Parker and Archelus Wilson, Select- 
men of Packersfield, showing bounties paid in July, 1779, to Jonathan 
French, Samuel Wellman and John Taylor, on their enlistment for service 
in Rhode Island. 

Subse<iuently remcved to Walpole, N. XL, where he resided with a son 
till his death. July 4, lbl4. 

WILLIAM PARKER. 

Born in Boston, Mass.. August 29, 1755. 

March 7, 1777, enlisted from Winchendon, Mass., for three years, in 
Captain William Warner's Company of Colonel Thomas Marshal's Regiment, 
Tenth Massachusetts Continental Line. November 1, 1777, promoted Cor- 
poral. Discharge<l at West Point March 7, 1780. 

He was one of those never-to-be-forgotten heroes who enduri><l the terrible 
winter at Valley Forge, Pa., in 1777-78. 

While the Burgoyne Campaign was going on in the north (See David 
Kimball) Washington was fighting the main British army under Howe in 
New Jersey and Pennsylvania. September 11, 1777, he was badly defeated! 
at Brandywine, and on September 2<5th Howe captured Philadelphia. On 
October 4th. at Germantown, Washington was again utterly «lefeated. In 
December when he went into winter quarters at Vnlley Forge, Pa., his army 
seemed on the verge of dissolution. 



Howe had more than 20,000 splendidly equipped, well fed troops. The 
American Army fell at one time to less than 4,000 naked, starving men. 
'J'he district was strongly Tory in sentiment and the few patriots did not 
dare to show their colors. Washington spoke of it as "the enemies country." 
He had no money, no credit, no means of transportation, and his friends 
were far away. Some of the accounts of what happened are almost beyond 
belief. The following quotation from Lecky is very conservative. He saj's, 
''The American Army had sunk into a condition of appalling destitution. 
Tn September Washington wrote that 'at least 1,000 men were barefooted 
and have performed the marches in that condition;' and in the depth of 
winter the misconduct or inefficiency of the commissaries appointed by the 
Congress, and the general disaffection of the people, had reduced the revolu- 
tionary forces to a degree of misery that almost led to their destruction. 
On one occasion they were three successive days without bread. On another 
they were two days entirely without meat; on a third, it was announced that 
there was not in the camp 'a single hoof of any kind to slaughter, and not 
more than twenty-five barrels of flour.' There was no soap or vinegar. Fev.- 
men had more than one shirt, many only the moiety of one and some none at 
all; and, besides a number of men confined in hospitals or farmers' houses 
for want of shoes, there were, on a single day, 2,898 men, in the camp, unfit 
for duty because they were barefoot and otherwise naked. In the piercing 
days of December, numbers of the troops were compelled to sit up all night 
around the fire, having no blankets to cover them, and it became evident that 
unless a change quickly took place the army must either starve, dissolve or 
disperse in order to obtain substance in the best manner it could. In three 
weeks of this month the army, without any fighting, had lost by hardship 
and exposure near 2,000 men. So large a proportion of the troops were bare- 
foot that their marches might be traced by the blood from their feet. Yet 
week after week rolled on, and still, amid unabated sufferings, a large pro- 
portion of these brave men held together and took up their winter quarters, 
diminished indeed in numbers, and more than once defeated in the field, but 
etill unbroken and undismayed, within a day's march of a greatly superior 
army of British soldiers. 

"The time was, indeed, well fitted to winnow the chaff from the grain, and 
few braver and truer men were ever collected around a great comniander 
than those who remained with Washington during the dreary winter in Val- 
ley Forge." 

Mr. Fisher in his "Struggle for American Independence" states that — 
"in spite of the famine and destitution, Washington was making the most 
strenuous exertion to discipline his ragged men and teach them more thor- 
oughly the art of war. To save them from future attacks of the smallpox 
he actually, in that terrible winter and in their naked condition, had them 
all inoculated with the disease after the manner of the time. * * * 

"On the 23rd of February, Baron Steuben (sent by the French govern- 
ment), an officer who had served with Frederick the Great, arrived and was 
received with the greatest distinction and rejoicing. He immediately began 
to drill the troops in the manual of arms, and the ordinary evolutions which 
are now considered necessary in every village militia company. The patriot 
army had been fighting for three years without any of this discipline. They 

lis 



could not wheel to right or left, fonn into column, or do the simplest thing 
in a soldierlike way. They moved about and obeyed orders like volunteer 
Indian lighters, on the frontier, or a sheriff's posse of farmers. Their merit 
as an army consisted in their belief in the cause, and the intelligent interest 
which each man willingly gave to the business of fighting. They were ridicu- 
lous when they attempted to handle a musket on i)arade; but when they 
raised it to their eye and pressed the trigger there was a different story to 
tell." 

The brilliant and lovable young Frenchman, the Marquis de LaFayette, 
was also there as a volunteer, inspired solely by his love of liberty. That it 
was not the "Pride, jwmp and circumstance of glorious war" that attracted 
either of these distinguished men is evident from the records they have left 
us. For example: Assistant Inspector Flenry, who was sent to drill a body 
of Continentals, reported to Steuben, — "Most of the recruits are uni)rovided 
with shirts and the only garment they possess is a blanket elegantly twined 
about them. You may judge, sir, how much this apparel graces their aiipoar- 
ance on parade." Steuben himself says, "I saw officers at a grand parade at 
Valley Forge, mounting guard in a sort of dressing gown made of an old 
Manket or woolen bed cover." And LaFayette wrote in his Memoirs, — "The 
unfortunate soldiers were in want of everything; they had neither coats, nor 
hats, nor shirts, nor shoes; their feet and legs froze till they grew black, and 
it w!i< .itt.n n'''(^ssary to amputate them." 

'"Such was the winter that prevailed 

Within the crowded, frozen gorge; 
Such were the horrors that assailed 

The patriot band at Valley Forge. 
It was a midnight storm of woes 

To clear the sky for Freedom's morn ; 
And such must ever be the throes. 

The hour when Liberty is born." 

Witli the opening of spring, supplies came in and by early sunnner the 
troops were in shape to again take the field. 

In June the British army, fearing blockade by the French fleet, abandoned 
Philadelphia, and marched across New Jersey toward New York. Washing- 
ton pursued tliem, leaving Valley Forgo on June 18th, and overtook them at 
Monmouth, where a battle was fought June 28, 1788. (See Abijah Wether- 
bee, and Levi Wilder.) 

Parker saw much other service and made an excellent record. 

First apiiears on the tax list of Paekersfield in 1790. living on a rood 
now given up, from the outlet of Woodward Pond over the hill to Chesham. 

Was iH?nsioned and a leading figure in the gatherings of Veterans for 
many years thereafter. Died in Koxburj- September 7, 1842, and is buried 
in the Cemeterj- there. 

KBKNKZKU PKUHY. 

First Town Clerk of Wilton, X. II. Kenioved from there to Paekersfield 
prior to 1777, and settle*! in ."itiuth part near Aaron Beal. 

Ensign in Captain Timothy Clements Company of Colonel David Gilman's 
Kegiment employed in the defense of Piscataqa Harbor in 1770. 

lll» 



Later in same year, Second Lieutenant in Captain Timothy Clements 
Company of Colonel Peirce Long's Regiment in Continental service at New 
Castle. 

First Lieutenant in Captain William Walker's Company of 42 men raised 
out of the Fifth Regiment of Militia in the State of New Hampshire by order 
of Major General Folsom, December Ttli, 1776, to reinforce the Continental 
Army at New York until the first day of March, 1777. 

First Lieutenant in Captain John Mellin's Company that marched from 
Fitzwilliam and towns adjacent to reinforce the garrison at Ticonderoga on 
the alarm in June and July, 1777. Service from June 28 to July 11. 
Ticonderoga was evacuated July 6th. 

Among other Packersfield men in this company were Sergeant James 
Bancroft, Corporal John ' Farwell and Privates Thomas K, Breed, Joseph 
Stanhope, Benjamin Nurse and Seth Cobb. 

First Lieutenant in Captain Salmon Stone's Company of Colonel Moses 
Nicholas Regiment, General Stark's Brigade, from July 18, 1777. 

Killed at the Battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777. (See Richard 
Farwell.) 

Among other Packersfield men in this company were Corporal Noah Day 
and Privates John Stroud, Joseph Mason, John French, Richard Farwell, 
Absalom Farwell, Thomas K. Breed, and David Averill. 

March 3, 1777, Lieutenant Perry's eldest son, Ichabod, a lad aged 15, 
had enlisted from Packersfield in the Continental Army "for the war." (See 
Ichabod Perry.) 

According to General Griffin, that same summer his six younger children, 
viz., Hannah, John W., Jacob, Jonathan, Dorcas and Ebenezer, died of 
dysentery, and his house was burned, leaving his wife Dorcas alone and 
destitute. 

ICHABOD PERRY. 

Son of Lieutenant Ebenezer Perry, who was killed at Bennington. Born 
in Wilton, N. H., September 20, 1761. 

In 1776, or early in 1777, removed to Packersfield with his father's family. 
There, on March 3, 1777, at the age of 15, enlisted in the Continental Army 
"for the war." Served in Captain Isaac Frye's Company of Colonel Alex- 
ander Scammel's Third Regiment, New Hampshire Continental line. Prob- 
ably at Saratoga, Valley Forge, and Monmouth, and in Sullivan Expedition. 

In New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. 16, page 752, is the following : 

"Return of Packersfield Quota of Men in Continental Army: 



Bunker Clark 



) Engaged During 

r 1 1 1 13 > the war. Now in 

Ichabod Perry ^ ^j^^ ^^^^ 

Samuel Adams ) Engaged in the 
Joseph Winch > Army for three 
John Newman ; years and marcht. 

Packersfield, June 4, 1781. 



120 



William Barkeu 

Samuel Griffin ^ Selectmen. 

COXSIDEU OSVER 



It will Lh' noted that this was four years after his enlistnieiit. 

Wilton put in a claim that IVrry should count in its quota, probably on 
the Kri'und oi his birth in Wilton, and the shortness of his residence in 
Packerstield before his enlistment. In like manner New Ipswich claimed 
Bunker Clark. The State Conunittee of Safety finally allowed Wilton's claim. 

See Ebeuezer Perry and (Joiicral (Iriffin's story as to the misfortunes of 
the Perry family in 1777. 

GIDEON PHILLIPS. 

Born November 7, 1763. Brother of James and Richard. 

October 12, 1779, enlisted in Captain John Carpenter's Company of Guards. 
Stationed at Springfield, Mass. Diseharffed January 12, 1780. 

July 5, 1780, enlisted from Rutland, 'Mass., in Captain Pray's Company, 
Colonel Shepherd's Regiment, Mass. Continental Line. "Age 18 years; 
stature 5 ft. 4 in.; complexion dark." Attached to General Poor's Brigade 
in General LaFayette's Division. Went first to West Point. Then marched 
into New Jersey. Was at Morristown and Trenton, but most of the time 
on the march. Returned to West Point and was discharged there December 
6, 1780. 

On his way home after this discharge, at Barre, Mass., re-enlisted in the 
Continental service for three years. Joined the army at Newburg, N. Y. 
At first in Capt. Joshua Benton's Company. Afterwards in Captain Pray's 
Company, and several others. 

Was most of the time at West Point, or in the neighborhood of New York 
City, or in New Jersey. Discharged in March, 1783. 

Came to Packersfield probably about 1792, and finally settled on what was 
subsequently known as the "Bridge" place, near the middle of Roxbury. 
Died in Roxbury June 10, 1840. 

JAMES PHILLIPS. 

Brother of Gideon and Richard. An early settler of Monadnoek No. •> 
(afterwards Packersfield and Nelson) coming from Rutlajid. Mass., prior 
to 1773. Located on what was afterwards known as the "Bridge" place at 
Roxburj' Center. In 1774 had seven acres cleared and one more acre cut 
over, and a "Pole" house erected. 

Almost certainly one of the twenty-seven men who, under Lieut. Abijah 
Brown, marched on the Lexington Alarm, in April, 1775. 

May 8, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain Levi Spaulding's 
Company of Colonel James Reed's Regiment. Fought at Bunker Hill, June 
17, 1775 (See Samuel Griffin). Received 12 shillings for iirojK^rty lost in 
the engagement. See N. H. State Papers, Vol. 7, page 591. Gilmore's "N. H. 
men at Bunker Hill," page 64. 

Signer of the "AsstK-iution Test" in April, 1776. 

Member of Captain Joseph Parker's Company raised out of Colonel 
Enoch Hale's Rt-giment that joined the Northern Army at Ticonderoga; 
mustered and paid July 18, 1776, Cori)oral John Morse, Allen Breed, Samuel 
Griffin, William Priest, and Henry Bemis were in the same Company. 

See anecdotes of Phillii)s by General Griffin. 

121 



iilCHAED PHILLIPS. 

Born in Smithfield, R. L, September 4, 1754. Brother of James and 
Gideon. 

His pension declaration verified August 9, 1832, shows the following, 
viz: 

At the outbreak of the war was a resident of Hubbardston, Mass. In 
the spring of 1776, enlisted from there in a company commanded by Lieut. 
Marine (illegible) and took part in the Siege of Boston. When the Amer- 
ican Army took possession of Dorchester Heights in March, 1776 (See 
Samuel Felt), his company was one of those that marched in the night 
time and was the second to reach the top. He was there when the British 
evacuated the city, and was dismissed there at the expiration of his term of 
service. 

In June, 1776, volunteered from Hubbardston for six months' service 
in Captain Flint's Company. Marched to New Haven, Conn., and there 
took ship for New York and joined the army under General Washington. 
The British were then on Long Island. After the battle of Long Island 
retreated northward as far as White Plains and from there to Phillips Manor, 
where was discharged at the expiration of service. 

In the summer of 1777 volunteered from Smithfield, E. I., in Captain 
Samuel Day's Company for the Ehode Island campaign, and was discharged 
at Tiverton after a month's service. 

In December, 1777, volunteered from Smithfield as a Marine aboard the 
Privateer Providence under Captain Abraham Whipple. They sailed sup- 
posedly for Boston, but instead of that went to France with despatches. 
Was at Nantes and Brest. Returned first to Portsmouth, N. H., and from 
there went to Boston, where he was discharged the last of November, 1778. 
In the course of the cruise they took a number of prizes, but he never received 
his share of the prize money. 

The Providence was the most successful of all the ships of its class and 
became famous in song and story. The following are three of the nmnerous 
stanzas of a chantey, called "The Yankee Privateer," which, quite likely, 
Phillips used to sing — 

"Come listen and I'll tell you 

How first I went to sea, 
To fight against the British 

And earn our Liberty. 
We shipped with Cap'n Whipple, 

Who never knew a fear, 
The Captain of the Providence, 

The Yankee Privateer. 

Chorus 
We sailed and we sailed. 

And we made good cheer. 
There were many pretty men 

On the Yankee Privateer. 
***** 
For ten nights we followed 

And ere the moon rose. 
Each night a prize we'd taken 

Beneath the Lion's nose. 

122 



Wlien the British l(x»kfd to see 

Why their ships should disappear. 

They found they had in convoy 
A Yankee Privateer. 

Chorus 
But we sailed and sailed. 

And made good cheer. 
Not a coward was aboard 

Of the Yankee Privateer. 
* * * * * 
Then we each manned a shii). 

And our sails we unfurled. 
And we bore the Stars and Stripes 

O'er the oceans of the world. 
From the proud flap of Britain 

We swept the seas clear. 
And we earned our Indopendenoe 

On the Yankee Privateer. 

Chorus 
Now landsmen and sailors, 

One more cheer! 
Here is three times three 

For the Yankee Privateer." 

From Smithfield moved to Rutland, ^Mass., and from there to Packers- 
field about 1780, where he located in the Ko.xbury District. Died in Dublin, 
X. II., November IS, 1S34. 

In his pension ai)plication he was vouched for by Gideon Newcomb of 
Ko.xbury, and John Snow of Dublin. 

NEIIEMIAII PIERCE. 

Born in 1755. In April, 1775, enlisted from Ilollis, N. II., fur eijrht 
montlis in Captain Reuben's Dow's Company of Colonel William Prescott's 
Rcfxinient. "Age 20, height 5 feet 9 inches, complexion light." At Bunker 
Hill, Juno 17, where six members of his company were killed and si.x others 
wounded. (See Samuel Griflin.) The State of New Hampshire subse- 
(luently paid him for "1 knapsack, 1 hat and 1 tumpline" lost iu the engage- 
ment. (A "tumpline" was a strap placed across the forehead to assist a man 
in carrying a pack on his back.) In his company 25 lost their knapsacks, 
and 23 their tumplincs. 

Probably other service. 

Lived in Packersfield for a brii'f iK-riud, beginning nliout l7Nn. Sub'^i'- 
quently in Hancock about I7s7 and later in UoIIis. 

WILLIAM PRIEST. 

Believed to bo the William Priivi um- <iiu>t.<i imm i\niplf, >i. ii., and, 
according to his pension declaration veritiitl August 21, 1832. ctirroborated 
by the New Hampshire Rolls, served the following enlistments. 

1. In June, 1770, enlisted in Captain Towne's Company of Colonel 
Wynian's Resriment for five months. .Marched to Ticonderoga. Stationed 
at Mount Indei)endence. There when Arnold's tleet was destroyed in Lake 

123 



Champlaiu. (See Thomas Baker.) Discharged in November, 1776. In 
the same company were Corporal John Morse, Corporal Allen Breed, Jona- 
than Blodgett and Samuel Griffin. 

2. In June, 1777, enlisted in Captain Gershom. Drury's Company, which 
marched from Temple under the command of Lieut. Col. Thomas Heald to 
reinforce the Northern Continental Army, when Burgoyne was advancing 
on Ticonderoga. Marched to (illegible), Vt., and was "there turned back 
as was supposed by a Tory who said the troops were not wanted. Returned 
to Temple, — immediately started again and got as far as Rutland, Vt., and 
then learned that Ticonderoga had been given up. Was out on this alarm 
about three weeks." 

3. Priest goes on to say — "that in 1778 or 1779, in the spring or begin- 
ning of summer, a man came through Temple, N. H., and wanted men to go 
to West Point to fill up the Continental ranks; that he enlisted for nine 
months; that as soon as he arrived there he was ijut into the service of a 
French Engineer and worked on a fort; men were called for to go to Kings 
Ferry to prevent the enemy from landing from a vessel and driving away 
cattle; that he volunteered, and with a party of 30 or 40 men went to the 
Ferry and was stationed there several months; then joined the main force 
at White Plains. Application was made by the sutlers to Col. Tupper, I 
think it was, for me to assist them, and I served with them until the army 
went into .winter quarters. I then went to W^est Point and was discharged 
there. I did not do any regular company duty. The Commissary's name 
was Ballard. He was arraigned and tried by a court martial at New 
Windsor. I was one of the boatmen to carry him up. General Arnold com- 
manded at West Point. I was discharged the latter part of the winter. I 
recollect, in the fall helping take up a large chain '\\hich was stretched across 
the river." 

Living in Packersfield as early as 1785. At the time of his pension 
application living in Walpole, N. H. 

ISAAC PROCTOR. 

Member of Captain Joseph Parker's Company raised out of Colonel 
Enoch Plale's Regiment that joined the Northern Army at Ticonderoga. 
Mustered and paid July 18, 1776. 

In Captain Francis Towne's Company of Colonel David Edmons' Regiment 
raised by the State of New Hampshire in December, 1776 to reinforce the 
Continental Army in the State of New York. Service from December 5, 

1776, to March 12, 1777. 

In Captain Salmon Stone's Company of Colonel Nichol's Regiment, 
General Stark's Brigade raised out of the Fifteenth Regiment, of New 
Hampshire Militia, Enoch Hale Colonel, which company marched from Rindge 
in said State and joined the Northern Continental Army at Bennington and 
Stillwater, July 21-September 25, 1777. In battle of Bennington August 16, 

1777. (See Richard Farwell.) 

In Captain Samuel Twitchell's Company of Colonel Enoch Hale's Regi- 
ment of Volunteers, which marched from New Hampshire and joined the 
Continental Army in Rhode Island in August, 1778. 

124 



Proctor probably came to Packersfield from Jaffrcy, N. IL General Griffin 
says he lived for a time in the north part near the John Buxton place. Quite 
likely ho was the Isaac Proctor, who, at the time of the consus of 1790, was 
liviiif,' in "Canipbeirs Gore" between Stoddard and Antrim. 

JOIIX PliOUTKE. 

A settler of Monadnock No. 0, as early as ITOW. In ITTo had 1<! acres "im- 
proving." There was also a Johnson Proutee at the same time. John is 
said to have located on the place now owned by Rev. E. W. Phillips. Removed 
to Charlestown, N. H. 

Of Captain Abel Walker's Company of Col. Benjamin Bellow's Regiment 
of Militia in the State of New Hampshire, that went and reinforced the 
garrison at Ticonderoga when beseiged by the enemy. Marched June 28, 
1777. Service twelve days. 

As api)arently he left town just before the war began, his name has not 
l>een placed on the Memorial Tablet. 

BENJAMIN RICE. 

Born in Rutland. Mass.. October 27, 17G4. Living tliere at time of the 
war, 

August 9, 1781, enlisted from Rutland in Captain Jonathan Sibley's 
Company of Colonel Luke Drury's Regiment. Discharged November 21, 
1781. Travelled home 200 miles. Place of service not mentioned in roll. 

Came to Nelson, about 1813. 

Lived on place now owned by Prof. Rolfe. Died in Roxbury, June 21, 1834. 

CHARLES RICE. 

Born in Sudburj', Mass., January 26, 1740. 

Probably the Charles Rice of Sudbury who marched on the Alarm of 
April 19, 1775, in Captain John Nixon's Company of Minute Men in Colonel 
Abijnh Pierce's Regiment, and April 24. 1775, enlisted for eight months in 
Captain David Moor's Company of Colonel John Nixon's Regiment. 

Came to PiirktTsfifld j>b'>ut I7s4 and sftth-d on tin- "Xt-wfomb" place in 
Roxbury. 

AMOS RICHARDSON. 

Born in Attleboro. Mass., in 17.">.'i. iSi.n ,,1 iiu.iMa> Richardson. 

General Griffin, in his reminiscences of Nelson Revolutionary .'soldiers, 
r-ays of him: — 

"Amos Richardson was with Washington when he crossed the Delaware 
in the night, with his army, in boats. They left one hundred men to keep 
ui) the tires and deceive the British, and Richardson was one of the hundred. 
Early in the morning the British discovered what had happened, and came 
down U|Kjn them, but 'Old Put' (General Israel Putnam) had declared he 
would save those men, and had returned for them himself, Aa they escaped 
to the lK>at8 the British brought their cannon Uj l>ear, c-utting down branches 
of trees over their heads, but not a man was hxirt." 

It has not beiMi found |K>ssible to identify his organization. 

125 



The only crossing of the Delaware by Washington that the story fits was 
that of December 8, 1776. (See Samuel Felt.) 

He came to Packersfield in 1785, and settled on what is now known as 
the Cabot place. Died in Nelson, November 30, 1815, and is buried in the 
cemetery on the Town Common. 

JOHN EICHARDSON. 

Born August 14, 1750. Son of Thomas. 

During the war a resident of Attleboro, Mass. 

In Captain Stephen Richardson's Company of Colonel John Daggett's 
Regiment before Boston for eight months in 1775. 

Re-enlisted for six weeks as Corporal in said company in December, 1775. 

Corporal in same company and regiment in "Five months' campaign at 
York" in 1776. 

Probably much more service. Removed from Attleboro to Sharon and from 
there to Packersfield about 1784. Lived on the Charles Scripture place, now 
occupied by Mr. Peter I^eough. 

Died in Nelson August 14, 1814, and buried in the cemetery on the Town 
Common. 

THOMAS RICHARDSON. 

Born in 1724. Father of John and Amos Richardson. 

At the outbreak of the war living in Attleboro, Mass. Though over fifty 
years of age he probably performed the following service, viz: 

Member of Captain Stephen Richardson's (Attleboro) company of Minute 
Men that marched on the Alarm of April 19, 1775. Service 9 days. 

Member of Captain Stephen Richardson's Company of Colonel John Dag- 
gett's Regiment that marched on the Bunker Hill alarm. Service at Roxbury 
six weeks. 

Member of Captain Stephen Richardson's Company of Colonel George 
Williams' Regiment that marched from Attleboro September 25, 1777, "on a 
secret expedition". Service one month and six days. 

Member of Captain Alexander Foster's Company of Colonel John Daggett's 
regiment that marched on Rhode Island Alarm December 8, 1777. 

Came to Packersfield about the close of the war and settled on the 
Cabot place. 

Died in Packersfield May 5, 1806, and buried in the Cemetery on the 
Town Common. 

SAMUEL RIXFORD. 

Born in Grafton, Mass., January 21, 1765. 

Enlisted from Grafton, Mass., January 14, 1781, to serve three years in 
the Continental Army. In Capt. Warren's Company of Colonel Cashing's 
Regiment, age 16; stature 4 feet 11 inches; complexion light; occupation 
farmer. 

Immediately after his discharge came to Packersfield, where he lived until 
about 1789, when he moved to Rockingham, Vermont. 

126 



JOSIAH KOBBINS. 

Born in Tovvnsend, Muss., Octoljer, ITtil. DuriuK the war a roul.-nt of 
Peppcrill, Mass. 

August IG, l.sy2, made a pension declaration in which lie stated his various 
enlistments as follows: 

"1st. In 1777 about the last of April or 1st of May, enlisted as a private 
for two months. Capt. John Minot's Comi)any, Col. Whitney's Repinient, 
Mass. troops. Marched with said company to Providence, R. I. From there 
to East Greenwich, then to Warrick Neck. Remained there and was dis- 
missed there. At the expiration of my term I returned home. 

2nd. About the last of June or 1st of July the same year, enlisted again 
in Capt. N. Lakin's Co. Col. Robertson's Regiment, Mass. troops, and 
marched back to Rhode Island. Stationed at North Kingston. Stayed there 
till Gen. Spencer attempted to take the British troops in the island by sur- 
prise. Marched around the East end of the Island. Stayed there a few days 
but the enterprise failing, returned back to N. Kingston. Remained there 
till our term of six months expired, on the 1st of January, 1778, and was dis- 
missed and returned home. 

3rd. In 1778, about the first of March, enlisted again for ten months, 
Capt. Joseph Boynton's Co., Col. Wade's Regiment, and again marched to 
Providence. Was stationed there until Gen. Sullivan's engagement with the 
enemy. Was in sight, but was not in the battle. I was sick and retreated off 
before Sullivan retreated. Think there were eleven regiments of Continental 
troops there. Col. Wade's Regiment generally went to East Greenwich. 
Capt Boynton's Co. went to North Kingston. Remained there till my term 
of service expired, which was about the first of January, 1779. 

4th. In 1779, enlisted again for two months in Capt. Latimer's (?) Co. of 
Col. John Jacob's Regiment. !Marched to Newport, R. I. Was there when the 
British evacuated the Island. Stayed there till my term of enlistment expired 
and was dismissed. Don't remember the day, but remember the snow was six 
or eight inches deep. Think it must have been in December. * 

Was born in Townsend, Mass., in October, 17G1. Have a record of my age 
in my father's bible now in my possession. Was living at Pepperill. Mass., 
when went into the sen-ice. 

Have lived in Nelson since the war, and now reside there." 

He lived on what is now called the Dr. Egbert place, and was a highly 
respected citizen, very active in public affairs. For many years he was Town 
Clerk, and also held other town oflBces, for example. Selectman, 1802, 1806, 
1S07-1817, and Representative to General Court 1807-1808. 

The following samples of entries in the records of the Selectmen indicate 
thai the duties and habits of town officers in his day were somewhat different 
from those at present : 

''February ye 28, 1799. Paid Josiah Melvin two d<jllars and sixty- 
one cents for two quarts and half pint of Rum for the Pound and for 
articles for the widow White." 

"February ye .'Jd 1HM>. Pnid Josiah Melvin one Dollar and sixty- 
six cents for Rum exiK-ndcd in taking care of Silas Shattuck and one 
Dollar and forty-six cents for Rum exixnided about the Pound and for 
Wine for the widow White." 

* Originally settled on what U now called the Robblnfl panture. near Mr. Stoddard'n. 

127 



"February ye 20th 1800. Eecd of the Selectmen one Dollar and 
thirty-four cents it being for one Quart of Wine for Widow White and 
services providing for the Singing School. 

(Signed) Josiah Robbins." 

"Jany. ye 22d 1801, paid Josiah Melvin two dollars and forty-nine 
cents for two quarts of Rum and one pint of Molases for Repairing 
the Bridge by Henry Wheeler's and for Brandy Delivered to the Select 
men Perambulating the Town Line four Days." 

"Feb. 8, 1S03. Received of Selectmen three dollars and twelve 
cents for Rum and other Utensils used on the road south of Gad 
Newell's house. 

(Signed) Josiah Melvix." 

In 1815 Robbins was chosen deacon of the church. 

Died in Nelson, February 22, 1850, at the age of 88, and is buried in the 
cemetery on the Towti Common. 

BENJAMIN SAAVYER. 

Born in Amherst, N. H., June, 1758, and living there at the outbreak 
of the war. 

From his pension declaration, verified August 9, 1832, confirmed and 
supplemented by the N. H. Rolls, it appears that his services were as follows : 

1; December 27, 1775, enlisted from Amherst for one year from January 
1, 1776, in the company commanded by Lieuts. Grosvenor and Maxwell, of 
Colonel James Reed's Regiment of the New Hampshire line stationed at 
Winter Hill near Boston; remained there until the British evacuated Boston, 
March 17, 1776; then marched to Providence and from there to New York. 
Next marched to Canada and occupied Montreal; then returned to Mount 
Independence opposite Ticonderoga, where remained three or four months; 
about the first of December marched south as far as Stillwater; there taken 
sick and left behind when the regiment went on; was discharged at Stillwater 
and took 14 days getting home. He does not mention the name of his captain 
saying he "went with Arnold" and was not in command. General Sullivan 
was Brigade Commander. 

2. A member of Captain Nathan BuUard's Company of Colonel Moses 
Nichols Regiment that marched from Amherst and Wilton for Ticonderoga 
on the Alarm, June 29, 1777. Marched first to No. 4 (Charleston) where 
they were ordered home, and proceeded as far as Dublin, where they were 
ordered by express to turn and march again with all speed for Ticonderoga. 
Went as far as Otter Creek, Avhere they received news of the evacuation of 
the fort. 

3. Then on July 19, 1777, joined Captain John Bradford's Company of 
Colonel Moses Nichols Regiment, Stark's Brigade, raised to reinforce the 
Northern Army. Went to Bennington and took part in the battle. (See 
Richard Farwell.) Discharged September 18, 1777. 

Came to Packersfield in 1779, and lived there the rest of his life, in the 
northeast quarter beyond the Kenniston place, on the hill; at the place after- 
wards owned by his son Joel Sa\\'yer, a part of which is still called the Joel 
Sawyer meadow. 

Died in Nelson, March 18, 1846, and is buried in the cemetery on the 
Town Common. 

128 



It is said that ho and his wife Tabitha (Kittredge) lived together sixty- 
seven years, and when tlioy died, eight of their fourteen children were living; 
also seventy-seven grandchildren, one hundred and sixteen great grand- 
children, and one of the fifth generation, making in all two hundred nnd tun. 

SAMUEL SCRIPTURE, SR. 

Born, as is supposed, in Groton, Mass., April '21, 1727. At the outbreak 
of the war, living in Mason, N. H. 

April 23, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain Benjamin Mann's 
Company of Colonel James Reed's Regiment. In the same company was his 
son, Samuel, Jr. Both were at Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. (See Samud 
Griffin.) 

Also in company of Volunteers commanded by Capt. Benjamin Mann of 
Colonel Nichols' Regiment, in the expedition to Rhode Island in August, 1777. 
Samuel, Jr., was also in the same company again. 

The "Alarm" was an urgent one, so Captain Mann's Company took with 
them 48 horses. (See Timothy Bancroft.) 

Came to Packersfield with his son about 1780. 

Some have suggested that the elder Scripture enlisted in order to look 
after his son, who in years, was but a mere boy. Others think Samuel, Jr., 
went along to take care of the "old man." As a matter of fact, probably 
each was a hardheaded individual abundantly able to manage himself. 

In New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. J beginning at page 586 is a record 
of disbursements by the State to those who lost personal property in the 
battle of Bunker Hill. 

Samuel Scripture received for a gun, one pound ten shilling, and for 
a "snapsack" and two shirts, eleven shillings and two pence. Nathaniel 
Barrett was paid for a 'gnapsack" a pair of shoes and buckles, and a handker- 
chief. Isaac Stanhope for a blanket, and Corporal John Buxton for a gun. 

How they lost their packs and clothes is explained under Samuel Griffin. 
Evidently the loss of guns was not regarded as reprehensible. Probably quite 
the contrary. It is to be noted that Captain Mann of Scripture's company 
and Captain Crosby of Barrett's Company both lost their own guns. Just 
at the end, after the ammunition gave out, there was hand to hand fighting. 
They may have been broken over the heads of the enemy. 

SAMUEL SCRIPTURE, JR. 

Born in Mason, N. H., December Kth, 17<30, the son of Samuel and Mary 
(Green) Scripture. 

Aside from his nmny enlistniont.s and length of service, his record is remark- 
able in three particulars, viz. (a) his age at the time he entered the service 
was less than fourteen years and five months; (6) he and his father enlisted 
in the same company and fought side by side; (c) he outlived all others 
connected with the war who ever were in Nelson, and reached a greater age 
tlian any of them, except. i)erhaps. Jacob Wheeler and William Follette. 

Under date of September 5, 183*2, he made a pension declaration in which 
lie enumerates his enlistments as follows: 

"Ist. In the year 1775, soon after the Lexington Battle. I enlisted in 
Captain Benjamin Mann's Company in Col. Reed's New Hampshire Regiment, 

129 



and joined the company at Mystic about the first of May, and served in 
said company eight months. After the Bunker Hill Battle, was stationed 
at Winter Hill and was dismissed at Winter Hill the first of January. 

2nd. In 1777 I went on an alarm in Capt. Blodgett's Company to join 
the Northern Army at Ticonderoga. Met the Army on retreat from Mount 
Independence, I think near. Castleton, near a place called Picketford, was 
out about two months and dismissed near Castleton. 

3rd. In 1777, in November, I enlisted again for 4 months in Captain 
Hunts Company. Don't recollect the Colonel's name. Was stationed at 
Cambridge and guarded the British prisoners, taken with Burgoyne, on 
Prospect Hill. Served my time out and was dismissed at Cambridge about 
the first of April. 

4th. In 1778 I voltmteered in August for 2 months to go to E. Island 
in Captain Mann's Company. Was there during a severe storm. Was there 
at the time of Gen. Sullivan's retreat. Was not in the battle but retreated 
off with the army and was stationed a short time at Howland's Ferry, and 
dismissed about the 15th of October. 

5th. In the fall of 1779 I enlisted again for nine months to fill vacancy 
in the Continental Kegiment in New York. Went to White Plains and 
Joined Capt. Holden's Company, Col. Nixon's Eegiment, at Bedford, not 
far from White Plains. Was detached from Nixon's Regiment and put 
into Col. Vose's Regiment. Went with Col. Vose's Regiment down the 
river to North Castle. Was on the march a great part of the time. Was 
once attacked by a party of the enemy's light horse and cowboys, and had 
a warm skirmish. Went to White Plains and thence to the Highlands into 
Winter quarters. In the spring went under Colonel Nixon down the river 
and into New Jersey. Marched with 3 days' provision and was not relieved 
for twenty days. Returned to Peekskill and was dismissed at the expiration 
of my 9 months service. The 1st, 2nd and 4th services above were in the 
New Hampshire Militia. The 3rd service in Mass. Militia. The last was 
Continental service. 

Was born in Mason, N. H., in 1760. Have a record of my age taken from 
the Town Book in Mason. Lived in said Mason when I went into all of 
said services, and moved from Mason to Nelson, where I now live. Was a 
volunteer in all services. I recollect Gen. Washington and Gen. Lee, in 
first service. In 4th knew Gen. Sullivan. In the last service Gen. Arnold 
and Gen. Nixon." 

Those who vouched for Mr. Scripture were Rev. Laban Ainsworth of 
Jaffrey and Doctor Amos Twitchell of Keene. 

An examination of the rolls in the respective offices of the Secretary of 
State of New Hampshire and Massachusetts confirm all of his statements 
and supply more particulars; viz: 

(1). The date of his first enlistment was April 28, 1775. His father had 
enlisted ^pril 23. We can well imagine the difficulty the fourteen year 
old lad had in getting in. As he says, the record of his birth, December 9, 
1760, is in the "To^vn Book" in Mason. The Commander of his company, 
Captain Mann, also came from Mason. 

It seems that the Colony of New Hampshire had promised the troops 
regimental coats, which evidently were not forthcoming, for in October 

130 



Scripture signed a receipt for four dollars in lieu thereof. In i)ieture3, 
Revolutionary soldiers are shown wearing fine well-fitting uniforms of blue 
and buff. Such things had no existence except in the minds of the artists. 
It not only is possible, but probable, that in all his service Scripture wore no 
coat that did not come from the family flock of sheep, spun, dyed, woven, 
cut and .sewed by his mother or sisters. (See Stephen Parker.) Washington 
said of his army in 1778 — "A great many men entirely destitute of shirts 
and breeches, and 1 suppose not less than a fourth ur fifth of the whole are 
without shoes." (See David Kimball.) 

The first payroll was made up August 1st. It shows he had lost no time, 
so doubtless Scrii)ture was in the battle of Bunker Hill on June 17th. 

(2) The commander he si)eaks of as "Capt. Blodgett" was First Lieutenant 
Jacob Blodgett; Joseph Barret was Captain. 

(4) The storm he mentions played a very important part in tiie Khode 
Island campaign. (See Timothy Bancroft.) 

(5) The date of his discharge from final service was June 8, 1780. lie 
enlisted the previous September. The Regiment was the Sixth Massachusetts 
Line. 

General Griffin says Scripture was at "Valley Forge." This is a mistake, 
but a very natural one. The Winter Quarters of the army were at Valley 
Forge during the Winter of 1777 and 1778. (See William Parker and Abijah 
Wetherbee.) Scripture was in Winter quarters at the Highlands in 1779- 
1780. (See David Kimball.) Conditions were but little, if any, better in 
the latter i)lace. Charles Knowles Bolton, in his book "The Private Soldier 
under Washington" at page 84, has this statement, 

"In the Winter of 1779 and 1780 the army was sometimes for five or 
>ix days without bread, often as long without meat, and once or twice two 
or three days without either." It may be added that they were without 
vegetables all the time and many were afflicted with scurvy in consequence. 

General Griffin doubtless heard the particulars of the time they went 
twenty days on three days provision, and it is to be regretted that he did not 
recTird them. 

Young Scripture came to Packersfield with his father about 17n<>. and 
I)urchased from Thomas Kidder what has since been knowni as the Captain 
Scripture place, or later as the Barry or Clymer place. 

Was Commander of the Local Militia Company, and invariably refern-d 
to as "Captain" Scripture. 

Died in Nelson and is buried in tlu' cemetery on the Town Common. His 
gravestone reads: 

"Capt. Samuel Scripture 

Died Januarj' 20, 1852. 

.E 91. 

A Soldier of the American Revolution." 

AMOS SKINNER 

Horn in Norton, ^Mass., August -J^, 1T;J;». 

One of the early settlers of Monadnock No. (aftenvards Packersfield 
md Nel.wn). In town as early as 1773, settling near Tolman Pond, east of 
?iie "Poland Place", and very active in public matters. One of the Town 

131 



officers in 1774. (Brother of Dr. Samuel Skinner, who also came to town 
in 1778, and practiced medicine there for many years, residing on the Charles 
Flood place.) 

At a tovn.1 meeting held April 18, 1775, the day before Lexington, he 
was elected Moderator and also chairman of a "Committee of Safety" to 
put the resolutions of the American Congress in force. The other two mem- 
bers were Lieut. Abijah Brown and Dr. Nathaniel Breed. 

Probably one of the 27 men who under Lieut. Abijah Brown marched 
from Packersfield to Cambridge, April 21, 1775, on the Lexington Alarm. 

Elected member of the Committee of Inspection, September 25, 1775. 

Signer of the "Association Test" April, 1776. 

Lieutenant of Militia in 1770. 

Probably the "Amos Skinner" in Capt. Abijah Smith's Company for 
New York, enlisted out of Col. Enoch Hale's Regiment of Militia, and mus- 
tered by him September 21, 1776. (See New Hampshire State Papers, 
Vol. 14, page 420.) 

April 4, 1777, when the town made its presentment against Major Breed 
Batchelder, it was "Voted that Lieut. Amos Skinner go with Capt. Eleazer 
Twitchell to carry the above petition." 

Moderator of To\\ti Meeting held May 29, 1777. Recorded as "Lieutenant 
Amos Skinner." 

"Lieutenant Amos Skinner" was also elected Moderator and Selectman 
at Town Meeting held August 5, 1777. 

Probably the "Amos Skinner" who in April, 1778, enlisted in Captain 
Charles Nelson's company in Col. Timothy Bedel's Regiment, for Continen- 
tal Service, of one year. See New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. 17, pfige 
250. 

ABIEL SMITH 

Living in Raynham, Mass., at the time of the outbreak of the war. 

In Captain Jonathan Shaw's Company of Colonel George Williams' (3d 
Bristol Co.) Regiment, which marched to Rhode Island December 8, 1776, 
on an "Alarm." 

Also same company and regiment on a secret expedition in September, 
1777. 

Also in Captain Josiah Crocker's Company of Colonel Thomas Carpen- 
ter's Regiment on service in Rhode Island in July, 1778. 

He came to Packersfield in 1779, and September 2, 1778, Polly, daughter 
of Abiel and Abigail Smith, was born in that town. Seven previous children 
were born in Raynham. 

EZRA SMITH. 

Born in Sudbury, Mass., January 13, 1755, or '54. Son of Henry and 
Lucrecia. A resident of Sudbury during the war. 

In the spring of 1775 was a member of Captain John Nixon's Company 
of Colonel Abijah Smith's Regiment of Minute Men. The Company was 
organized in March. A roll is in existence showing that they drilled regu- 
larly. Smith was present at the drills of March 12, 20, 27, April 3, 10 and 
17, 1775. 

132 



On April 19, iTTr), the alarm reached Sudbury between three and four 
o'clock in the inorninR. (Sec William Barker.) Nixon'd company started 
from the West Side Meeting House. As they approached Colonel Barrett's 
on their way to Concord, Stei)hen Barrett, son of the Colonel, met them 
and warned them of the presence of the British at his house, and they 
turned and marched through the fields and arrived at tho North Bridge 
just as the firing; bep:an. (See William Barker.) 

General Griffin, in his reminiscences of Revolutionary Soldiers, says: 
"Capt. Ezra Smith, who lived on the George Hardy place, was at the battle 
of Concord, and stood within a few feet of Capt. Davis when he fell." 

April 24, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain David Moore's Com- 
pany in Colonel John Kixon'.s Kegiment, Was at the battle of Bunker Hill 
June 17, 177G. His company was just at the left of the redoubt, between 
it and tho New Hampshire regiments. (See Uriah Wlieeler and Samuel 
Griffin.) 

Probably saw much more service, but identification in case of a person 
named Smith is a little difficult. 

Was a Captain of the local Militia and lived in Nelson for many years 
on what was subsequently known as the George Hardy place, now owned 
by Mr. John Cowen. Members of his family are buried in the cemetery on 
the Town Common. 

In his old age he went away and is said to have died in Belleville, N. Y., 
February 27, 1834. 

JACOB SMITH. 

Under date of November 17, 1788, Shadrach Hill of Packersfield deeded 
to Jacob Smith of Southborough, Worcester County, Mass., land in the 
South East part of Packersfield. 

Smith probably came to towai soon after and remained tho rest of his 
life. His stone in the cemetery on the old Connnon states that he died 
May 30, 1795. in his 75th year. This would indicate birth about 1720, and 
that he was about 55 at the outbreak of the war. 

His grave has for many years been flagged as that of a Revolutionary 
soldier, but there is no definite tradition as to tho nature of his service. 
Owing to his age, any extended enlistment would seem improbable. 

The name Jacob Smith frequently appears on the Massachusetts rolls, 
but proof of identity is lacking. 

Owing to tho uncertainty it has not been plaoeil on the memorial tablet. 

JOHN SPINNEY. 

One of the early settlers of ;Monadnock No. 6 (aftenvards Packersfield 
and Nelson), coming as early as 1773, and settling on what was afterwards 
known as the John Yeardley place. In 1774 had two acres cleared. 

Elected Selectman April 18, 1775. 

Signer of the Association Test in 1776, and member of the Board of 
Selectmen that made return of the same to the Committee of Safety of tho 
Colony, tho other members being Joseph Stanhope and Eleazer Twitchell. 

133 



DAVID SPOFFORD. 

Baptized July 23, 1738. Married November 22, 1761, to Mrs. Elizabeth 
Griffin, widow, mother of Samuel Griffin, who resided with his stepfather 
in Temple, N. H. 

As a "Minute Man", marched from Temple with Seth Cobb, Stephen 
Cobb, Samuel Griffin and Archelus Wilson on the "Lexington Alarm", April 
19, 1775. 

As one of the Selectmen of Temple, corresponded with the New Hamp- 
shire Committee of Safety as to military matters in 1777. See N. H. State 
Papers, Vol. 17, page 134. 

Was also in same year Chairman of a "Committee of Inspection, Cor- 
respondence and Safety" and other\vise very active in the town's affairs. 

General Griffin says he removed to Packersfield and settled south of Tol- 
man pond. His daughter Elizabeth married Joseph Felt and his daughter 
Sarah married Noah Hardy. 

It is not know^^ just how long he was in town. 

JOHN SPRAGUE. 

Born in Attleboro, Mass., December 10, 1761. Son of Deacon John and 
Mary. 

Enlisted from Attleboro, July 27, 1778, in Capt. Alex Foster's Company 
in Colonel Thomas Carpenter's Regiment for campaign in Rhode Island. 
Service 17 days. 

Probably other service. Removed to Templeton and thence to Packers- 
field in 1784. 

October 25, 1784, Uriah Wheeler deeded to John Sprague land bounded 
by land of John French, John White, Ezra Smith and Elijah Stocker. 

Was a blacksmith and is said to have lived on the Sewell Day place. 

JOSEPH STANFORD. 

One of the early settlers, coming before the war and settling near the 
Chauncey Barker place in Harrisville. 

Probably one of the 27 men who, under Lieutenant Abijah Brown, 
marched from Packersfield on the "Lexington Alarm." 

Enlisted in April, 1775, for eight months in Captain William Scott's 
Company of Colonel Paul Dudley Sargent's Regiment. Sargent was of 
Amherst, N. PL, and Scott of Peterboro, N. H., and most of their men were 
from nearby towns. 

Was in the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. (See Samuel Griffin.) 

In a Muster Roll of the Company dated October 6, 1775, "Joseph Stan- 
ford, Packersfield" is reported "sick." 

ISAAC STANHOPE. 

Supposed to have been a son of Joseph Stanhope and one of the earliest 
settlers. 

Probably one of the twenty-seven men that marched from Packersfield, 
April 21, 1775, under Lieut. Abijah Browii in response to the Lexington 
Alarm. 

134 



May 13, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain Ezra Towne's Com- 
pany of Col. James Reed's Regiment. His description was "Born Sudhury; 
age 19; place of abode, Packersfield; occupation, farmer; height, 5 ft. 5 in.; 
complexion, brown; color of eye.s, light." 

Was in the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775, for description of which 
see Samuel Griffin, who was in the same company, as was also John Breed. 
Was paid for a blanket lost during the engagement. 

JOSEPH STANHOPE. 

Said to have been a half-breed Indian and one of the earliest settlors of 
the town, coming in 1767, and settling on the place now owned by Marcus 
M. Bailey. In 1774 had 18 acres cleared, 15 more cut over, a "Pole" house 
and a family. Was active in all public matters, being elected First Select- 
man, Assessor, Highway Surveyor and Constable, when the Town was incor- 
porated in 1774, and on April 18, 1775, with Dr. Nathaniel Breed and Elcazi-r 
Twitchell, a member of the Committee on Corresix)ndence, and ^Moderator 
of a town meeting on May 6, 1775. 

Stanhope signed the "Association Test" in April, 1770, and was chair- 
man of the Board of Selectmen (the others being John Spinney and Eleazer 
Twitchell) that made return of the same to the Committee of Safety. 

July 3, 1777, enlisted in a company commanded by Cai)tain John Mellin, 
which marched from Fitzwilliani and towns adjacent to reinforce the garri- 
son at Ticonderoga. In the same company were John Farwell, James Ban- 
croft, Thomas K. Breed, Seth Cobb and other Packersfield men. 

JOSEPH STILES. 

Born in Middleton, Mass., July 15, 1737. Son of Ebenezer and Sarah. 

At the breaking out of the war living in Wilton, N. H. Enlisted Au- 
gust 1, 1775. in Capt. John Wood's Company of Colonel Paul Dudley Sar- 
gent's Reg-iment before Boston. Appointed Corporal. 

In the diary of Lieutenant Jonathan Burton, while in Captain William 
Barrow's Company, in the Canada E.xpodition, August 1 to Nt^vember 29, 
177C, are these items, apparently written at Crown Point: 

"Tuesday, Sept. 10th. This day Mr. Joseph Stiles came in here. 
By him I reed a letter. Dated ye .'3d of Sei)t. 

"Sunday, Sept. 15th, Mr. Joseph Stiles went from this place on 
his return to Wilton." 

Stiles was also a .Sergeant in Captiiin John Goss' Company of Militia 
in Nichol's Regiment, and Stark's Brigade, raised and marched to rein- 
force the Northern Army in July, 1777. Service two months and nine days. 
Discharged September 2S, 1777. At battle of Bennington. August 16. 1777. 
(See Richard Farwell.) 

In "The Stiles Family in America," by Mrs. Mary Stiles Gould, it is 
stated that, soon after 1776, he "removed to Nelstm, N. H." The date was 
probably several years later, and there are indications that he was afterwards 
in Wilton again for a short period. This may have been due to the fact 
that his .son Ebenezer lived in Wilton till about 1799. while his son Andrew, 
who married Dorca.s Btmrd. lived many years and probably died in Packers- 

135 



field. His son Abram, who married Hannali Stoddard, and daughter Eunice, 
who married David White, also lived in the latter place. 

Joseph deeded to both Andrew and Abram land in the North West 
Quarter. 

In the Nelson town books is recorded the death in Nelson, March 18, 
1820, of "Joseph Stiles, Aged 72." This is probably correct as to date, but 
wrong as to age, which was 82. 

ELIJAH STOCKER. 

In Captain Benjamin Spaulding's Company in Colonel Moses Nichol's 
Regiment, raised by the State of New Hampshire, and joined the Conti- 
nental Array at West Point from July 7th to October 21st, 1780. Among 
other Packersfield men in this company were Noah Hardy, John Breed, 
Robert Usher and Thomas K. Breed. They all enlisted the same day. 

October 28, 1783, Elijah Stocker of Packersfield and Lois Scollay of Har- 
vard, Mass., were married in Packersfield by Rev. Jacob Foster. Lois was 
younger sister of Ann Scollay, who married Josiah Whitney. 

Stocker located near John "White. 

RICHARD STODDARD. 

Born in 1748. At the outbreak of the war living in Templeton, Mass., 
where in 1772 he had married Rachel Hill. 

Responded to the Lexington Alarm from that town on April 19, 1775, 
as a member of Captain Joel Fletcher's Company of Colonel Ephraim Doo- 
little's Regiment and remained in the field 16 days. 

A Richard Stoddard also performed other services, but as the residence 
is not given, the identity is uncertain. He came to Packersfield some time 
between April, 1776, and August, 1777, and settled on the farm now owned 
by his descendant, Mr. Wellington Stoddard. At a town meeting held 
August 5, 1777, he was chosen "Poiind Keeper" and afterwards was quite 
prominent in to^vn affairs. 

At a town meeting held December 8, 1777, a committee composed of 
James BaiRjroft, Joel Wright, Captain Eleazer Twitchell, John Adams and 
Richard Stoddard were appointed to arrange for the choice of a representative 
to the General Court at Exeter for the towns of Packersfield, Stoddard, 
Washington and Gilsum. 

Soon after Stoddard was elected Town Constable. He served as Sexton 
and Tythingman for many years, and in 1786 was chairman of a committee 
in charge of the stone work in connection with the building of a "new" 
meeting house, his colleagues being Capt. Ezra Smith and "Esquire Grif- 
fin." Also in 1789 built a wall four and one-half feet high around the "Bury- 
ing Yard" at ^'three shillings per rod," the equivalent of about fifty cents. 
The records of the Town Clerk also show that when Reverend Gad Newell 
first came to town he boarded at Mr. Stoddard's. 

He died in Nelson May 9th, 1818, and is buried in the cemetery on the 
To\vn Common. 

JOHN STROUD. 

An early settler, living on "Prospect Hill" in 1771. His name appears 
in records of meetings of proprietors in 1773 and 1774. 

136 



Almost certainly one of the 27 men who, under Lieut. Abijah Brown, 
marched from Packersfield, April 21, 1775, in response to the Lexington 
Alarm. 

April 23. 177r>. enlisted for eight months in Cai)tain Benjamin Mann's 
Company of Colonel James Keed's liegiment. At Bunker Hill, June 17, 
1775. 

Signer of the "Association Test" in April, 1776. 

In Captain Salmon Stone's Company in Colonel Moses Nichols' Regi- 
ment, General Stark's Brigade, raised out of the Fifteenth Regiment of New 
Hampshire Militia. Enoch Hale. Colonel, which company marched from 
Rindge, July 21, 1777, and joined the Northern Army at Bennington, and 
Stillwater. In Battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777. (See Richard Far- 
well.) Discharged September 26, 1777. 

October 4, 1781, enlisted in the Continental Army. Credited to Peter- 
bo ro. 

EDiH^ND TAYLOR. 

Probably one of the twenty-seven men wlio. uiidtT Lieut. Abijah I]rown, 
marched from Packersfield for Cambridge, April 21, 1775, on the Lex- 
ington Alarm. 

Enlisted May 10, 1775, in Captain Benjamin Mann's Company of Colonel 
James Reed's Regiment, for eight months. At Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. 
(See Samuel Griffin.) 

Signer of the Association Test, April, 1770. 

Probably did not remain long in town. 

JOHN TAYLOR. 

July 10, 1779, enlisted from Packersfield in Continental Army "for the 
war." See N. H. State Papers, vol. 15, pages G30, CAC, and vol. 16, page 752. 

Probably other sers'ice, but cannot certainly be identified, as there are 
several John Taylors on the Rolls. 

EBFNEZER TOLMAN. 

Was the son of Henry Tolman of Attleboro, Mass., where he was born May 
31st, 1748. His mother was Mary Slack. His father dying when he was eight 
years old, he resided with his grandfather Slack till he was fourteen, when he 
was apprenticed to a cari)enter. ^V^len he was about twenty -one he went 
to Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire. 

In the oflSce of the Secretary of State at Concord is a payroll of Captain 
Jonathan White<-omb's Company in Colonel James Reed's Regiment, dated 
August, 1775, with this: 

"Ebenr Toleman; Private; time of entry April 23d; time of service, 
3 mo. 6 days; gone to Canada." 

In the same place is a roll signed by "Sand Ward. Jr.. Capt.." who certifies 
that "thf above is a true list of the men, their ages, places of abode, &c., in 
mj* company in the Detachment under Col. Benedict Arnold, who belonged 
in the New Hampshire forces." One man on the list is: — 

"Eben Toolman; age 27; place of abode, Fitzwilliam; occupation, 
carpenter; late of Regiment Reed's; Company, Whitcomb's." 

137 



August 16th, 1832, Tolman made a pension declaration as follows: 
"1st. "In 1775 enlisted at Mystic, near Boston, in Captain Jonathan "Whit- 
comb's Company in Colonel James Keed's Regiment of K'ew Hampshire Troops, 
for eight months. Stationed in Mystic and Charlestown until Bunker Hill 
Battle. Was in the Battle. (See Samuel Griffin.) Was afterward stationed 
on Winter Hill. In September volunteered and detached to go with Colonel 
Arnold in the expedition to Canada by the way of the Kennebec River. 
Marched through the woods to Quebec. Remained there until General Mont- 
gomery joined us with his force. Was in the attack upon Quebec and taken 
prisoner in the city. Was detained a prisoner until August, 1776. Then sent 
round by ship to New York and from there landed at Elizabethtown in New 
Jersey, and released on parole, making nine months, or a little over, detention 
after eight months' term of enlistment had expired. Was afterwards ex- 
changed. 

2nd. In 1777 enlisted for three years in Captain Elijah Clayes, or Cloyes, 
Company in Colonel Nathan Hale's New Hampshire Regiment. Joined the 
army at Ticonderoga in May. Was appointed Orderly Sergeant. Remained 
until General St. Clair abandoned the place. Retreated to Saratoga; then 
marched to Fort Miller; then back to Stillwater. Was there taken sick in 
August and hired a man by the name of Amos Boynton to take my place 
and serve out my term, who was accepted by the Captain. Was in this service 
as Orderly Sergeant about three months. Was in the Hubbardton battle. 
Went from Fitzwilliam, County of Cheshire, State of New Hampshire, into 
both services, at which place I then lived." 

This modest narrative discloses participation in the greatest adventure of 
the whole Revolutionary War, and, fortunately, we know considerable about 
it. Some one has said that it was "productive of nothing but disaster and 
interesting journals". Tolman himself wrote one of the best of them, which 
is printed in full, beginning at page 161. Other good ones were (a) that of 
Private John Joseph Henry, then a lad of sixteen, who expanded and published 
it later when Presiding Judge in the Second Judicial District of Pennsylvania; 
(6) that of Private George Morrison, who was a Pennsylvania rifleman, and 
wrote contemporaneously; (c) that of Captain George Dearborn, who not only 
was a leader in the expedition, but later Secretary of War, Major-General, 
Collector of Customs at Boston and Minister to Portugal, and (d) that of 
Private Caleb Haskell, of Newburyport, who was in the same company as 
Tolman. 

Aside from extended accounts in general histories, there have been no less 
than three elaborate special books written on the subject, viz : "Arnold's Expe- 
dition to Quebec," 340 pages, by John Codman; "Arnold's March from Cam- 
bridge to Quebec," 498 pages, by Prof. Justin H. Smith, and "Ovir Struggle 
for the Fourteenth Colony," two volumes, each of over 600 pages, also by 
Prof. Smith. 

Only a bare outline of the story can be given here. 

Thirteen of England's American Colonies were in revolt. The only re- 
maining one was Canada, which still hesitated. It was believed that a bold 
military stroke would turn the scale, and it was determined to capture Quebec 
by a combination of two expeditions; a small one from New York up the 

138 



usual route by the Hudson River and Lake Champlain, and a larger one up 
tlie Kennebec River, throujih the wilderness of ^luine, over the height of 
land and down the Chaudiere. 

It was fully realized that the latter was a dangerous, a desperate enter- 
prise; still, even in the light of subsequent events, it was not an insane one. 
The difficulties were underestimated. The route was longer and harder than 
was supposed, and the forces of nature more formidable. Yet, had they 
been able to push through only ten days sooner, before Quebec was reinforced, 
the attempt might have succeeded. 

Benedict Arnold, of Connecticut, wlio already had an extraordinary repu- 
tation for hardihood and courage, was selected by Washington himself as 
leader and given a force of eleven hundred men carefully picked out of the 
multitude of volunteers from the patriot army before Boston. 

Henry thus describes Arnold: "Our connnander, Arnold, was of a remark- 
jilile character. He was brave, even to temerity; was beloved by the soldiery 
perhaps for that quality only; ho possessed great powers of persuasion, was 
compaisant, but withal, sordidly avaricious. Arnold was a short, handsome 
man of a tlorid complexion, stoutly made." 

Mr. Codman well states that "the detachment, as a whole, was of the 
very flower of the Colonial youth." Though physical qualities were specially 
regarded, there were, in the ranks as well as among the officers, scores of the 
briglitest minds in the country, who subsequently revealed their qualities, 
in the war and in public life. Henry and Dearborn, just mentioned, were 
examples. Others were Captain Daniel ^Morgan, hero of the battle of 
Cowpens, and Private Aaron Burr, who became Vice-President of the Tnited 
States. 

Young Samuel Ward. Tolman's Captain, was the son of the Governor 
of Rhode Island. 

About two himdred and fifty came from Rhode Island, one hundred from 
Connecticut, four hundred from Massachusetts, including the District of 
Maine, one hundred from New Hampshire, two hundred from Penn.sylvania, 
one hundred from Virginia, and there were about fifty more from other 
(juarters. About nine hundred out of eleven hundred were American born. 
The other two hundred, whom Tolman refers to as "old countrymen," were 
recent immigrants, mostly young Irishmen. 

Tolman's battalion marched from Cambridge on the evening of Septem- 
Ix.'!* 13th, as far' as Maiden that night. The next day they marched twenty- 
five miles and reached Newbur>-port on the evening of the 15th. 

On the iTth they had a grand review, and on the 19th embarked, closely 
packed, in eleven little vessels. Tolman says the troops numU-red thirteen 
hundred, but all other authorities make it eleven hundred, as already stated. 

In the early morning, when they weighed anchor, there was a "pleasant 
gale, our colors flying, drinns and fifes a-playing, and the hills all arouml 
covered with pretty girls weeping for their departing swains," but that night 
a great storm arose. They were terribly .seasick; all were called on deck, 
ixiiecting overj* minute to be driven on the rocky shore; but finally they 
reached the mouth of the Kennel>ec, passed up, and on the 21st or 22nd 
landed at what was then kmnni as "Gardinerstou," out of which has come 
the present CJardiner. 

130 



Here awaited them the "bateaiix" which were to be used on the expedi- 
tion. The contractor had built two hundred of them in about two weeks, 
not having received the order until September 3rd. Perhaps he had done 
the best he could, but the job was a bad one, as Arnold at once realized. 
He, however, made the best of the situation and ordered twenty more to be 
done within seven days, while he waited for them. 

The whole lot, made out of green lumber, were intolerably heavy, :iiid so 
badly put together that they leaked from the start, and many of them broke 
up when put to the strain that soon followed. 

Morrison, speaking of the time when they had been in use but four 
days, says: "Could we then have come within reach of the villains who 
constructed these crazy things, they would fully have experienced the effects 
of our vengeance. Avarice, or a desire to destroy us — perhaps both — must 
have been their motives — they could have had none else. Did they not know 
that their doings were crimes — that they were cheating their country and 
exposing its defenders to additional sufferings and to death?" 

The feebleness of the bateaux was imdoubtedly the main cause of the 
breakdown of the enterprise. 

"While waiting for the additional boats the troops marched up to Fort 
Western, now Augusta, the head of navigation. Just beyond were a half 
mile of rapids. 

Here, after a few days' rest, they plunged into the wilderness and the 
terrible struggle began. 

The wilderness — where for hundreds of thousands of years great trees had 
grown and fallen in vast net works and tangles, and the foot of man had 
never before trod. 

There was one boat for each five men. Tolmau indicates what it meant 
to operate them in the river. For example: "September 28. Pushed up 
eight miles, the water so bad that the bateaux men were obliged to drag the 
boats up over the shoals and in many places went up to their chins in water." 
"October 1. Pushed up over rocks and shoals, where we were many times 
over head in water, pulling the bateavix over." 

On October 2nd he says: "This day carried over Norridgewalk Falls, one 
mile and a quarter, and then encamped very uncomfortably this night after 
carrying our boats over roots and rocks and mud." 

In addition to the constant drenching, cold caused great suffering. Mr. 
Codman says that "on the night of September 30th it was so cold that the 
soaked uniforms could not be completely dried, and froze stiff even near the 
fires, the men being obliged to sleep with them in that condition." 

In spite of all this they kept up their spirits. A writer* has thus de- 
scribed it: "They started up the stream, rowing and poling in four divisions, 
a considerable distance apart, with indefatigable Daniel Morgan and his 
Virginians at the lead. But soon they could neither pole nor row in the 
roekj' stream. The men jumped overboard and dragged the boats, wading 
in the cold water all day, often sinking to their necks, or over their heads, 
in the deep pools, upsetting the leaky boats, losing provisions and often 
guns. They reached carrying places where they had to transport the hea\T^ 
bateaux and cargoes roimd falls and rapids. The black soil was soaked with 

* Sidney George Fisher, "The Struggle for American Independence," p. 401. 

140 



rail! and they sank knee deep, stumbling over stones and roots and fallen 
logs. With the heavy bateaux grinding on their shoulders, or almost drag- 
ging their arms from their sockets as they carried it on hand sjiikes, a mis- 
step of one man in the mud would bring the whole party, bateaux and all, 
to the ground. They would rise, covered with black mud, cursing and laugh- 
ing, and laugh still louder to see the next boat crew in the same plight " 

From day to day the laughter grew fainter. All of them could 
not stand sleeping in frozen clothes. Sickness began. Worse than that, 
while hardly started, the provisions began to run lov,'. (Jreat (jUantities of 
dry salt codfish had been piled on the boats at Fort Western. The dryness 
jiromptly disappeared, the saltiness followed, and then decay forced the 
throwing away of most of it. The wet Hour soured. Even the pork had to 
be repacked. 

The rain fell day after day in torrents till the whole country was a 
morass. Do the best they could, their progress was slow. Tolman says that 
in three days, October 5th, Cth and Tth, they they only went about twenty 
miles. Then it turned even colder than before. On the 25th it snowed all 
night. The river began to freeze and they had to break the ice with the butt3 
of their guns. 

Tolman's record for October 24th is particularly interesting, recording 
as it does a calamity that nearly finished them: 

"October 24. Our provisions growing scanty, and some of our men being 
sick, held a council and agreed to send the sick back, and to send a Captain and 
fifty-men forward to the inhabitants as soon as possible, that they might send 
us more provisions. Accordingly, the sick were sent back and Captain 
Ilandchit with 50 men sent forward. Before this Col. Enos, with three cap- 
tains and their companies, turned back and took with them large stores of 
provisions and ammunition, being discouraged (as we suppose) by difficulties 
they met with. This day got forward nine miles. The water very rapid and 
many of our boats were upset and much of our baggage lost and provisions 
and guns." 

They came to the watershed between the head waters of the two rivers. 
It grew colder and colder. The provisions reached the vanishing point, ^^^lat 
was left was equally divided and orders were passed along that each man must 
look out for himself. On the 2Tth they abandoned the bateaux, "being 
fatigued," says Tolman, %y' carrying over such hills, rocks and swamps as 
were never passed 1)3' man before." Everything now was on their backs. 
Soon packs were discarded, axes dropped and they staggered on with little 
but their guns, and sometimes not even them. 

Says Tolman: "Here we killed a dog and we made a very great feast." 

Mr. Fisher alludes to this and goes into further details. "Some of them 
killed and ate a i)et dog, flesh, skin and entrails, and then boiled the bones. 
They dug roots out of the half frozen mud with bleeding hands. They boiled 
and ate their extra moose skin moccasins. Some six hundred men strung out 
in a long line by the Chaudiere, a line that rwled, stumbled and fell and 
bent up and down over the high wooded hills. Were these the conquerors of 
Quebec ? 

Dazed, delirious, half-blinded by famine and exhaustion, they would look 
back as they ascended a hill to see others falling over one another and rolling 

in 



down the opposite slope. On the top of the hill they would halt as if calcu- 
lating whether their strength would take them down; then they would start, 
falling over logs and stones, and sending their guns flying into the muddy 
snow. Then up the next slope they would wearily go, pulling themselves by 
any twig and bush that offered assistance." 

Men were now dropping right and left. As their comrades passed them 
they would beg piteously not to be abandoned, but there was nothing else to 
do. About one hundred in a few days were left to the w-olves. 

Henry tells of two thoroughly respectable young women who had accom- 
panied their husbands. They were stalwart and strong, undergoing all of 
the hardships of the men. One of them was a Mrs. Warner, When Warner 
was unable to go further she remained behind with him until he died, covered 
his body as best she could with dead wood and leaves, and then managed to 
overtake the column. 

Bullet pouches were now eaten, then the moccasins from their feet. 
Finally leathern breeches were cut up. There was nothing else. 

On October 31 Private Haskell, of Tolman's company, an unemotional 
matter-of-fact sort of a man, wrote: "There is scarcely any one who has 
more than one day's provisions, and that small, and a great number none at 
all. Some have had none at all for two days." 

On November 1 Tolman Avrote that he had been "4 or 5 days without any 
provision." On November 2 he says "we staggered about like drunken men." 

And then, just as the end of all things was at hand, a faint shout went 
up at the head of the column and through the woods they saw cattle and men 
leading horses with great sacks across their backs — it was the relief party 
come just in time. No wonder Tolman says "it was the joyfvillest sight that 
ever I beheld and some could not refrain from crying for joy." 

There reached Quebec just 510 men out of 1,100 that started — emaciated, 
almost naked, wdth hardly any ammunition, but in no way turned aside from 
their determination to take the city. 

Montgomery with the "York" troops joined them, increasing their num- 
bers by about 250, and they began their pitiful siege operations. 

Meanwhile the garrison of Quebec had been reinforced by General Carleton 
to 1,800 men, lodged in the strongest place on the continent — well called the 
Gibraltar of America. 

"Round Quebec's embattled^ walls 
Moodily the patriots lay ; 
Dread disease within its thralls 

Drew them closer day by day; 
Till from suffering man to man 
Mutinous a murmur ran. 

Footsore, they had wandered far, 

They had fasted, they had bled; 

They had slept beneath the star 
With no pillow for the head; 

Was it but to freeze to stone 
In this cruel icy zone?"* 

On the night of December 30th, in the midst of a howling snowstorm, they 
prepared for an assault, and at 2 A. M. moved forward through the snow drifts, 
each with the flintlock of his gun mider his coat. 

•From "Montgomery at Quebec," by Clinton Scollard. 

142 



Montgomery was to attack on one side and Arnold on tlie other. 

"'T was the donth-tide of the year; 
• Xiffht had passed its murky noon; 

Through the bitter atmosphere 

Piereed ncit ray of star nor moon; 
But upon tin- lik-ak earth heat 
Blindinff arrows of the sleet. 

While the trumi)et8 of the storm 

Pealed the hastioned heights around, 

Did the dauntless heroes form, 

Did the low, sharp order sound. 

'Be the watchword Libert ij!' 

Cried the brave Montgomery."* 

At almost the first fire Montgomery fell dead and his party turned back. 
In like manner Arnold was hit in the leg and carried to the rear, but his 
men pressed on. They carried the outer fortifications, capturing prisoners 
and guns and reached the lower town. Then they rushed tlirough the narrow 
streets and planted their scaling ladders on the second barrier. 

And here they fought for hours. As the enemy fell they possessed them- 
selves of their superior weapons. Breaking open doors they fired from the 
windows of the houses. But soon the locks on their guns became so covered 
with ice that they would not prime and they could only use them as clubs. 
There was a time when they could have retired to safety, but few did so, 
and they now found themselves helpless to do anything and completely sxir- 
rounded by over four times their number. Finally upwards of three hun- 
dred surrendered. 

Tolman's narrative puts the number of killed and wounded at 82. The 
other authorities make it two to three times that. Tolman states the number 
of i)risoners was 372, and gives their names. This is doubtless correct. He 
could count them, but could have no certain knowledge of other casualties. 
Henry is probably nearer right when he says that six officers were killed and 
five wounded, and of the men at least one hundred and fifty killed and fifty 
or si.xty wounded. 

Henry relates that the following day "many carioles passed our dwelling 
loaded with dead, whether of the assailants or of the garrison, to a place called 
the dead house. Here the bodies were heaped in a monstrous pile. The 
horror of the sight to us Southern men principally consisted in seeing our 
companions borne to interment, uneoffined, and in the very clothes they had 
worn in battle; their limbs distorted in various directions such as would 
ensue in the moment of death. Many of our friends and acquaintances were 
apparent. Poor Nelson lay on top of half a dozen other bodies, his arms ex- 
tended beyond his head as if in the act of i)rayer, and one knee crooked and 
raised, seemingly when he last gasped the agonies of death * * *. A 
wound mortal or even otherwise casts the party wounded into the snow; if 
death should follow it throws the sufferer into various attitudes which are 
assumed in the extreme pain accompanying death. The moment death takes 
l»lace the frost fixes the limbs in whatever situation they happen to be and 
which cannot be reduced to decent order until they are thawed. In this 
state the bodies of the slain are deiK)sited in the dead house as hard as ice." 

*From "Montgomery at Quebec," by Clinton ScolUrd. 

143 



Then began a weary imprisonment for over seven months. At first they 
were treated very well. Carleton, the British Commander, had an idea that 
the rank and file were poor simple creatures deluded by -their officers, and 
hoped to persuade them to enlist in the King's service. Quite a number did so, 
particularly the foreigners, but even with them it was only a cover for an 
attempt to escape, and soon most of them were back with the others. 

Every man but one in Tolman's company spurned the suggestion. 

A few extracts from Tolman's diary will show the condition of affairs 
that soon developed. 

January 8 to 15. "The smallpox is very plenty with us." 

January 15 to 19. "Captain Hubbard died of the wound he received a- 
coming in." 

January 19. "This day I was taken down with the smallpox and carried 
to the hospital, and in 15 days was able to return to the prison." 

February 5. "Seven of our men died with the smallpox and one man died 
with the pleurisy. He was sick but 4 days." 

February 5th to 9th. "Forty men lay sick in prison." 

February 12th to 16th. "This morning 60 men went to the hospital with 
the smallpox." 

March 25th to 30th. "We are in a miserable condition, having no wood. 
We almost freeze." 

At the time they were thus without fire, probably the temperature was below 
zero. It was the severest- winter, with one exception, that the oldest inhab- 
itant of Quebec could remember. 

Early in March most of the common soldiers had been moved from their 
first place of confinement to what was known as the "Dauphin" jail, which was 
in the upper town, about 300 yards from the St. John gate. 

It had stone walls three feet thick and sunken windows heavily barred 
with iron. Round it was a massive wall some twenty feet high. 

In the basement was a new door below the level of St. John Street, which 
excited the interest of the prisoners. It suggested possibilities and gradually 
there grew up a most elaborate conspiracy. To escape? That would not con- 
tent them. They had come there to capture Quebec and were resolved not to 
go home without it. They planned nothing less than to overpower the guard, 
then seize St. John's gate, capture cannon, and turn them on the city, admit 
Arnold's little force that still lingered outside, and then finish the job in- 
terrupted on December 31st. 

Failing in the attempt to carry all this through they would scatter, and 
each for himself leap the precipice to the lower town. 

At the top of a staircase they found a locked room. Picking the lock they 
found a quantity of iron junk, including some iron hoops about three inches 
wide, out of which they made crude swords and spearheads. Then they took 
out the bottoms of their berths and split them into shafts for their weapons. 
A few still had knives secreted when they came in. There was an axe or two 
which they had been allowed for cutting wood. Besides this there were a 
few clubs. 

The prison guards, whose guard house was forty feet away, numbered but 
fourteen, and it was thought it would be easy to dispose of them and to take 
their arms. The guard at St. John's gate was composed of thirty regular 

144 



soldiers. At their post was quite nn arsenal with cannon and ammunition. 
These cannon must be fired with fuses, and the thinp that caused most trouble 
was providing: a stock of them for use in case the guard, when attacked, 
carried off theirs. For these powder was absolutely necessary. Henry has a 
loMfr aiul very amusing acc(tunt of liow the powder was finally o])tained. They 
got it and the plan of campaign was completed. Sergeant Boyd, with a small 
body of picked men, was to kill the prison guard ; a few others were appointed 
to set the jail and guard house on fire and hunt out the sentinels who, on 
account of the cold, might be in the sentry boxes. The main body under 
Sergeant Aston was to rush for St. John's gate, overpower the guard, turn 
the cannon on the city and wait for the arrival of their comrades from outside. 

But how were their comrades on the outside to know anything about it? 
They had arranged that. A suit of white clothes, cap, shirt and overalls, 
had been constructed to fit, or rather cover, young John Martin, who was. 
considered the spryest of their number. On a certain day he went into the 
yard for exercise with the others. At locking-up time there was unusual 
confusion and when the guards had finally hustled their charges inside, they 
never noticed that Martin had managed to don his white apparel and hide 
under a snow drift in the corner. There he remained until dark, then 
scaled the wall, ran to the left of St. John's Gate, and leaped the dizzy 
precipice into a snow-drift twenty-five feet deep. 

There was one place in the jail from which could be seen Arnold's camp 
outside. At daylight the next morning eager ej'es looked out, and behold! 
the American flag had a knot tied in it. This was the signal that their 
plan was known and approved, and cooperation was ready. 

The night of April 1st was the time appointed — and then, just one little 
thing went wrong. 

They intended to go out the basement door. They already knew how 
to take off both lock and hinges, but there was ice about the bottom of it. 
Two men who had knives were appointed to remove that without making 
any noise. But a well meaning fool who did not belong to the inner circle 
suddenly thought of this ice and went to remove it himself with an axe. 
The guard heard the chopping and made inquiry. Even then no serious 
harm was done. Plausible explanations were offered and were about to be 
accepted, when John Hall, who was a deserter from the British at Boston 
(although it was not then knoAvn) pushed forward and confessed the plot 
to its minutest detail. 

There could not be much more to the storj'. Tolman gives it in a few 
words: "At this we were put all in to strong irons." 

These were groat iron bars twelve feet long and three inches in diameter, 
to each of which ten or twelve men were secured. Most of them had handcuffs 
as well as foot irons. The handcuffs did not trouble Tolman greatly, for 
his wrists were so large that ho could slip them. Several of his companions 
could do the same. They set to work, and helped the others, and within 
a few days Yankee ingenuity had picked every lock, and so changed them 
that when trusted sentinels announced the approach of the guard there was 
a wild scramble <>( prisoners to get back into their irons. They were never 
caught, though this condition of affairs continued until the eighth of May. 

145 



The fun and good humor which had heretofore supported them now 
gave way to despair. Their clothing, worn \\'ithout change in the four 
months of imprisonment, was in rags, indescribably filthy, with dirt and 
vermin. Their exercise was cut off. The food grew less and worse. 

Scur-^-y in its most virulent form appeared — a disease far more feared 
than smallpox. The teeth of those attacked fell out and their flesh fairly 
rotted on their bones. Many died. 

Tolraan was not writing much in his diary these days — only this: "May 
the 1st to the 6th. Nothing strange — but in great distress and despair." 

The final relief of the survivors came from a most unexpected quarter. 

It has been mentioned that originally General Carleton had an idea of 
enlisting them in the British Army. Now he thought of something more 
brilliant, even this — reasoning that these poor misguided men had had their 
lesson, he thought that if sent home they would tell their countrymen how 
powerful England was, and become missionaries for peace. 

And send them back he did; and in August, 1776, their ships approached 
New York. 

The patriots were in possession of the city just then (though about to 
lose it — see John White), and it was no place to land, so they were put ashore 
on a New Jersey beach, at midnight, and simply turned loose. 

One writer says that some of them were so rejoiced that they '^kissed the 
soil." He then goes on to record that they "ran foot races to Elizabethport 
and there spent the rest of the night singing, dancing and giving the Indian 
war whoop." 

The attitude of the people of Elizabethport is not commented on, but 
there is something in this story suggesting that they were hospitable and 
probably provided refreshments. 

As peace advocates Tolman and his friends were dead failures. On the 
contrary, when at liberty to do so after their exchange, they got back into 
service just as quickly as possible. 

The battle of Ilubbardston, in which First Sergeant Tolman took part, 
was July 7, 1777. (See David Kimball.) As St. Clair retreated from Ticon- 
deroga there followed a long train of invalids who could not keep up and 
last, fully six miles back, was Hale's Regiment acting as rear guard. Hale 
himself was sick and unfit for duty. The regiment was small. When at- 
tacked by a superior force of the best of Burgoyne's troops they did the best 
they could, but, as usually happens with rear guards, suffered severely. 

The Colonel, Adjutant, three Captains and one hundred men were taken 
prisoners, and the gallant Major Titcomb was severely wounded. Colonel 
Hale died in the enemies' hands. 

Tolman, as he says in his pension application, soon after became an invalid. 
This is not surprising. The only wonder is that he remained alive. It was 
several years before he regained his health. 

He provided a good substitute to take his place. Amos Boynton had 
been a Sergeant in the same company with Tolman, both at Bunker Hill and 
on the expedition to Quebec. He also came from Fitzwilliam. 

In 1781 Tolman married Mary Clark and continued to live at Fitzwilliam 
until about 1787, when he moved to Marlboro and soon after to Packersfield. 

146 



He is shown as living? in the lattor place in the first United States Census 
of 1790. 

Settled on the farm now orcupitnl hy !Mr. Wilmer C. Tolman, which has 
been in the possession of the family ever since. All the Tolmans that have 
ever lived in Nelson were his descendants. 

Died in Nelson December 27, 1838, at the age of 90 years, and is buried 
in the cemetery on the Town Common. 

ELEAZER TWITCHELL. 

Born January 22, 1744. 

Came to Monadnock No. G (afterwards Packcrsfield and Nelson) prior to 
1772, and was one of the most active citizens in public matters. Settled on 
what was afterwards known as the Captain Scripture place. In 1774 had 20 
acres cleared, 7 more cut over, a "Pole" house and a family. 

Elected Selectman March 15, 1774, in first Board after incorporation. 

Member of the Committee on Correspondence, elected April 18, 1775 (the 
day before Lexington), his colleagues being Dr. Nathaniel Breed and Joseph 
Stanhope. 

Captain of Packersfield Militia Company in 1775 and afterwards. 

Sent as delegate to Provincial Congress at Exeter May 9, 1775, his col- 
league being Dr. Nathaniel Breed. 

September 25, 1775, elected Chairman of Committee of Inspection, his 
colleagues being Benjamin Nurse, John French, Amos Skinner and Abijah 
Brown. 

Signer of Association Test in April, 1776. 

April 4, 1777, appointed, with Lieutenant Amos Skinner, to carry Present- 
ment against Breed Batchelder to Colonel Enoch Hale. 

August 5, 1777, elected chairman of Committee of Safety, his colleagues 
being George Brintnall, Seth Cobb, Shadrach Hill and Jonathan Drury. 

December 8, 1777, elected on a Committee to arrange for joint representa- 
tion in General Court for towns of Packersfield, Stoddard, Gilsum and Wash- 
ington, his colleagues being James Bancroft, Joel Wright, John Adams and 
Richard Stoddard. 

What is now known as Harrisville Pond was formerly called from him 
"Twitchell" Pond. 

Removed to Bethel, Maine, where also went Absalom Farwcll and Jonathan 
Blodgett. 

ST E PH K N T W 1 TCH E LL. 

In Captain Abijah Smith's Comi)any for Now York, enlisted out of 
Colonel Enoch Hale's Regiment of ^lilitia, and nmstored by him, Septem- 
ber 21. 1770. 

Amos Skinner in same company. 

In Captain John Mellin's Company, of Colonel Enoch Hale's Ri'giment, 
whicii marched from Fitzwilliam and towns adjacent to reinforce the garri- 
son at Tieonderoga on th.' Ahirm in 1777. ."<.Tvir-.' 5 days. June 28 to 
luly 2ud. 

117 



John Farwell, John Morse, James Bancroft, Oliver Wright, Thomas K. 
Breed, Joseph Stanhope, John Wellman, Benjamin Nurse and Seth Cobb 
in the same company. 

Living in Packersfield as early as 1TS8. 

THOMAS UPHAM. 

An early settler, his name appearing frequently in Proprietors' books in 
1773. In 1774 had G acres cleared, 12 more cut over, a "Pole" house and a 
family. 

Quite likely one of the 27 who marched from Packersfield April 21, 1775, 
on the Lexington Alarm. 

Signer of the "Association Test" in April, 1776. 

In Captain James Lewis' Company of Col. Enoch Hale's Regiment, 
which marched June 29, 1777, vmder the command of Lieut.-Col. Thomas 
Heald to reinforce the garrison at Ticonderoga. Keturned July 3. 

In Captain James Lewis' Company in Colonel Daniel Moore's Regiment 
of New Hampshire Volunteers that marched from Marlboro to join the 
Continental Army at Saratoga, September 28 to October 4, 1777. 

Lived in North East Quarter on what is now known as the Parker Hart 
place. 

ROBERT USHER. 

In Captain Benjamin Spaulding's Company of Militia in Colonel Moses 
Nichols' Regiment raised by the State of New Hampshire, and joined the 
Continental Army at West Point. From July 8 to October 21, 1780. 

In same company with Noah Hardy, John and Thomas K. Breed and 
Elijah Stocker. 

Came to town near close of war and settled next north of Hiram Holt's 
place. 

Removed to Merrimac, N. H. 

SOLOMON WARDWELL. 

Bom in Andover, Mass., in 1743, where he maried Bethia Holt in 1767, 
and resided in 1775, being a cabinet-maker by trade, with a shop on the 
present site of Phillipps Academy. 

Was a member in Captain Henry Abbot's Company of Minute Men, 
which marched from Andover, on the Lexington Alarm of April 19, 1775. 

The alarm was given at about sunrise and Minute Men were ready to 
march for Concord at about ten o'clock. On their way through Tewksbury 
they leai-ned that eight Americans had been killed at Lexington; at Billerica, 
that the British were killing Americans at Concord. Reaching Bedford, 
they learned more definitely that two Americans had been killed at Concord 
and that the enemy were falling back. When it appeared impossible to over- 
take them, some, including Wardwell, returned home. 

Continued an active member of the town militia and took the field for a 
short period on at least one other occasion. His name appears on a payroll 
of Captain John Peabody's Company of Colonel Ebenezer Francis' Regi- 
ment, dated November 29, 1776. 

148 



By deed dated Soptcinber 20, 1777, purchased tor £4<i() a farm in llollis. 
New Hampshire. 

In October, 17S3, as one of the Selectmen of Hollis, sent a letter to the 
New Hampshire Committee of Safety, which is found in New Hampshire 
State Papers, Vol. IG, page 693. 

Early in 1784 he removed to Packersfield, whore he was Selectman in 1786, 
and a prominent citizen for many years, holding most of the towni offices 
and being a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1791. 

Built a house on what was known as Lot 2, Kange 8, in the Northeast 
Part of the Town, which was subsetiucntly deeded to his son Ezra. 

Died in Nelson. Sei)tember 20, 182.5, aged 82. 

KEUBEN WELLMAN. 

Located in the North East Quarter about 1774. 

Signer of the Association Test, April, 1776. 

September 17, 1776, chosen as a member of the Conunittee of "Safety, 
Inspection and Correspondence," his colleagues being Dr. Nathaniel Breed, 
James Bancroft, John Adams and Aaron Beal. 

In Captain Francis Town's Company of Colonel David Oilman's Kegi- 
ment, raised by the State of New Hampshire in December, 1776, to reinforce 
the Continental Army in New York. Service from December 5, 1776, to 
March 12, 1777. 

SAMUEL WELLMAN. 

July 10, 1770, enlisted from Packersfield in the Continental Army. The 
record in New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. 15, page 646, states that the 
term of service was "during the war." In New Hampshire State Papers, 
Vol. 16, page 751, is a certificate of Stephen Parker and Archelus Wilson, 
Selectmen of Packersfield, that they paid Samuel Wellman and John Taylor 
"for going in the Continental Army for one year Si.xty Pounds each." 

Apparently before this he was in Captain James Lewis' Company of New 
Hampshire Volunteers that marched from Marlborough and joined the Con- 
tinental Army at Saratoga vSeptember 28th to October 24th, 1777. 

This seems to have been a different Samuel Wellman from the messmate 
of John White, who at the time of his pension application. July 4, 1820, lived 
in Hinsdale, N. H. In such application he says: "In 1776, January 1st, I 
enlisted at Boxbury in !Mass. for one year in Capt. !Moses Knap's Company in 
Col. Joseph Keetl's Begiment. I marched to New York City. Was at Peeks- 
kill, at the White Plains, and 1 was in the battles of East Chester and 
Trenton. I was discharged at Trenton Ist of January, 1777." 

NATHAN WESTON (Wesson). 

In Ca|)tain Josiah Brown's Company in Colonel Enoch Hale's Begiment 
which nuircheil from New Ipswich June 29, 1777, to reinforce the Garrison 
it Ticonderoga. and j)roci'eded as far as No. 4 (Cliarlestown ). where tlu-y 
vere orderctl back by an express from Colonel Bellows, and returned to Bindge 
July 3rd. On the 4th received orders to march forward and went to But- 
land, where they met our army on the retreat. Thirty of the company had 
horses. 

149 



Allen Breed and Joseph Felt in same company. 

An artillery "artificer" in Continental Army 1778, 1779, 1780. Second 
Lieutenant in Captain Nathaniel Chapman's Company of Artillery and 
Artificers commanded by Colonel Benjamin Flower. Stationed at Philadel- 
phia. Afterward employed in the arsenal at Springfield, Mass., under the 
direction of Major Joseph Eayrs from November 1, 1779, to March 18, 1780. 

Apparently both of these enlistments were from Hollis, N. H. 

April 2, 1782, James Bancroft, of Packersficld, deeded to Nathan Weston, 
"of Packersficld," land in the southeast quarter and he subsequently resided 
there for many years. 

ABIJAH WETHERBEE. 

Born in Lunenburg, Mass., August 26, 17G1; son of Paul and Hannah 
(Pierce) Wetherbee. 

In Captain Aaron Guild's Company of Col. Josiah Whitney's Regiment 
stationed at Hull, in Boston Harbor, from June till October, 1776. 

April 1, 1777, enlisted from Lunenburg for three years in Captain Syl- 
vanus Smith's Company of Col. Timothy Bigelow's Regiment, 15th Massa- 
chusetts Line, Continental Army. Discharged April 1, 1780. 

In his pension declaration, sworn to July 7, 1820, among other things 
about his service, he said that he "was at the taking of Burgoyne; at two 
engagements on Rhode Island, and at the battle of Monmouth." He was also 
with Washington at Valley Forge during the terrible winter of 1777-78. (See 
William Parker and Levi Wilder.) 

For the "taking of Burgoyne" see David Kimball, and for the battle of 
Rhode Island see Timothy Bancroft. 

The battle of Momnouth occurred June 28, 1778. When General Clinton 
marched the British Army from Philadelphia to New York he was pursued 
and there attacked by the Americans, under General Charles Lee, who had 
come up from Valley Forge. Washington, arriving on the field later, met his 
army in disorderly retreat. By a wonderful exhibition of personal power he 
turned them back and changed defeat into victory. During the proceedings 
he took occasion to tell Lee, with great particularity, w'hat he thought of him. 

David Kimball said that Washington was "always calm and dignified." 
Wetherbee might have qualified it something like this : 

"Outward cool when combat waging, 

Howsoever inward raging. 
Ne'er had Washington shown feeling 

When his forces fled the foe. 
But to-day his forehead lowered, and 
N We shrank his wrath untoward. 

As on Lee his bitter speech was hurled 

In hissing tones and low; 
Sir, what means this wild confusion? 

Is it cowardice or collusion? 
Is it treachery or fear brings you here?"* 

General Scott, of Virginia, on being asked if he ever heard Washington 
swear answered: "Yes, once; it was at Monmouth on a day that would have 

*From "The Battle of Monmouth." by Thomas Dunn English. L 

150 



made any man swenr. Yes, sir, he swore on that day till the leaves shook on 
the trees — charming, delightfully. Never have I enjoyed such swearing before 
or since. Sir, on that nieniorable day he swore like an angel from Heaven." 

Leo was court-martialed and convicted of misconduct in the presence of the 
enemy. Absolute proof of his treason was discovered many years later. 

Wethcrbee came to Paeker.sfield almost immediately after his discharge, 
remained there eight or nine years, and afterwards lived in Swansy, Gilsum, 
Surry and Sullivan. He died in Sullivan April 20, lh40, at the house of his 
son, Captain Thomas T. Wethcrbee, and is buried in the old Cemetery at 
Sullivan Four Corners. His stone reads: 

"Abmah Wetherbee 

died 

April 20, 1840 

at 78 

A Revolutionary Soldier." 

LE.VJA.MJN WHEELEIi. 

Born in HoUis, N. H., July 29, 17G3. Son of Peter Wheeler. 
Enlisted May ;3, 1775, in Captain Jonathan Whiteomb's Company in Colonel 
James Heed's Kegiment. 

Probably at Bunker Hill June 17, 1775. (See Samuel Griffin.) 
Came to Packersfield prior to 1785. 

JACOB WHEELER. 

Born in Acton, Mass, March 17, 1850. (?) 

Member of Captain Samuel Stone's Company of Minute Men, Colonel 
William Prescott's Regiment, that marched from Ashby, Mass., to Cam- 
l>ridge on the Alarm of April 19, 1775. 

Came to Packersfield al)out 1777. Settled in northeast quarter on ''Pros- 
pect Hill," afterwards called ''City Hill." 

Died in Nelson December 27, 1841. Buried in the cemetery on the Town 
Common. His gravestone states his age was 92. 

PETER WHEELER. 

Born Bedford, Mass., January 17, 1731. 

At the outbreak of the war living in Temple, N. H. 

One of the 56 who marched from Temple on the Lexington Alarm April, 
1775, absent six and one-half days. 

In December, 1775, one of the 18 who enlisted from Temple for six weeks 
to take the place, at the siege of Boston, of the eight months men whose enlist- 
ments were expiring. 

Probably the Peter Wheeler who was in Captain Stephen Parker's Com- 
pany in Colonel ^Moses Nichols' Regiment and General John Stark's Brigade, 
which marched from New Ipswich July 19, 1777, and joined the Northern 
Continentttl Army under General Gates at Stillwater. Discharged September 
20, 1777. In battle of Bfiinington August 10, 1777. (See Stephen Parker 
and Richard FarwcU.) 

In Captain Gershon Drury's Company of Militia from Temple, N. 11., 
which marched with Colonel Daniel Moor's Regiment September 29, 1777, and 

151 



joined the Northern Continental A.rniy at Saratoga. Discharged October 
26, 1777. 

These 1777 records may refer to father and son. 

Soon after this came to Packersfield. Died there September 17, 1792, and 
is buried in the Cemetery on the Town Common. 

UEIAH WHEELER. 

Born in Sudbury, Mass., January 26, 1747, and living there at the out- 
break of the war. 

When, about six weeks before the beginning of hostilities, John Nixon 
(afterwards Colonel and General) organized a company of Minute Men in 
Sudbury, Wheeler joined as a Corporal, and the records show that he attended 
drills March 12th, 20th, 27th and April 3rd, 10th and 17th, 1775. Ezra Smith 
and Robert Eames were in the same company. 

On the Lexington Alarm April 19th, 1775, he marched with the company 
and was at the Concord Bridge. (See William Barker and Ezra Smith.) Prob- 
ably took part in the fight at Merriam Corner and pxu*sued the British as 
far as Cambridge. 

There he enlisted as Sergeant in Captain David Moore's Company of 
Colonel John Nixon's Regiment, and was at the battle of Bunker Hill June 
17, 1775. (See Samuel Griffin.) 

Moore's Company arrived late on the field and fell in at the left of the 
redoubt next to Reid's Regiment. Hudson's History of Sudbtu-y has this to 
say of them: "The protection of the provincials at this point was weak; 
no entrenchments were there to protect them from the foe. The most favored 
had but a few rude improvised works, hastily constructed after their arrival 
on the ground, but the position of the regiment in which the Sudbury men 
served was the most exi^osed of any in that poorly protected column. A part 
of the line had not the slightest protection whatever. The only attempt that 
was made to construct a breastwork was by the gathering of some newly mown 
hay that was scattered about the place. But they were prevented from the 
completion of even such a slight breastwork as this. The foe advanced and 
they had to desist." 

In 1781 he resided in Packersfield on the Melville place. For some reason 
his establishment was very attractive. Such entries as this occur in the 
records of town meetings : "January 16, 1786, voted to adjourn for one quarter 
of an hour to House of Uriah Wheeler." 

At a town meeting held January 1, 1782, he was chosen a member of a 
Committee "to consider the new form of government" (referring to a pro- 
posed State Constitution), his colleagues being Rev. Jacob Foster, Capt. James 
Bancroft, William Barker, Amos Child, Lieut. Peletiah Day and Lieut. Arch- 
elus Wilson. 

Left town about 1787. 

LEVI WHITCOMB. 

Son of Job and Jemima (Farr) Whitcomb. Born in Templeton, Mass., 
April 24, 1763. 

October 28, 178G, Jonas Davis, of Packersfield, deeded to Levi Whitcomb, 
of Templeton, land in Packersfield. 

152 



In "The Whitcomb Family of America" it is stated that he "was married 
February 13, 1787, to Hannah Baker, who was born January 21, 1764. They 
settled in Nelson, X. 11., where tliey lived until 1801, when they removed to 
that part of Marlborough which became Troy. He was a blacksmith and later 
purchased a farm upon which he died September 23, 1827. His wife died 
February 10, 1825. Ue served for a while in the Revolutionary Army. Dates 
and terms of service are wanting." 

In Packersfield he succeeded David Averill in a blacksmith shop near the 
outlet of White's Pond. 

JOHN WHITE. _C^- 

r V*^ 

Born in ^Mansfield, !Mass., iSeptember 18, 1757. 
General Griffin has the following account of him: 

"John White was a 'minute man' from Manstield, ^Mass., and was called 
out at the Battle of Lexington. The corps to which he belonged remained 
near Boston for some time and then went to New York. They were stationed 
on Brookline Heights at the time of the battle of Bunker Hill, were in sight 
of the battle, had plenty of ammunition and desired very much to go, but were 
ordered to remain where they were. He was in engagements at Long Island, 
Trenton, Princeton, Harlem Heights, AVhite Plains and Khode Island. At 
the retreat from Long Island he was among the last to escape. The British 
drove the Americans to their boats, and as they came down upon them their 
officers gave the conmiand, 'lieady,' 'Aim,' and at the word 'Fire' our men 
dropped in the boats to avoid the shot. In the boat where White was every 
man 'ducked' except Major Ilendley, a noble officer, who sat erect in the 
stern of the boat, disdaining to flinch. The consequence was he was com- 
pletely riddled with balls, being struck in nineteen places, while not another 
man was hurt. 

At White Plains Mr. White saw "Old Put" when his old white mare was 
shot down under him. The British were within sixty rods and rapidly ad- 
vancing, and the old General left the beast and ran a few steps, then turning 
suddenly round, he says, 'They shan't have my pistols,' and trudging back as 
stiff as an old war horse he pulled them from the holsters, tired them both 
at the advancing foe and then hobbled after his retreating men. 

Mr. Wliite has handed down to us one narrative of thrilling interest con- 
nected with the plot of Conway and others against Washington. From the 
fre<iuent attempts to capture or destroy him, Washington had deemed it 
advisable to have a body guard constantly in attendance uixjn him, but he 
discovered in time that even those men, in whose hands he had entrusted his 
life, had been corrupted and were about to sacrifice him. At the time named 
the army was encamiHHl near the North River and Washington had his head- 
quarters in a house which stood very near the bank, so that the conspirators 
had dug a trench, from a concealed place among the bushes under the bank, 
directly under the house, working by night and carrying their gravel into the 
stream and covering the mouth of the trench with brush during the day. 

The plot was nearly completed when the movements of some of the gang 
excited the suspicions of one of Washington's aids, who then managed to 
join the conspirators for the purj^so of exposing them. He allowed them to 

153 



go on until the trench was completed and the powder placed in the mine. 
Then he informed his commander what was to have taken place that night. 

The regiment to which Mr. "White belonged was stationed about 100 rods 
from the house. They saw Washington coming down alone, and the men were 
called to arms. Taking the Commander, Col. Heath, aside, he talked with him 
a few minutes, then returning to the troops he said to them : 'If Xew England 
men respect me enough to guard me this night, so let it be; if not, I go.' 

Col. Heath asked him how many men he would have. He replied, 'None 
but volunteers.' The drum beat for volunteers and every man turned out. 

Says Washington, 'If you desire to serve me and your country, surround 
that house and secure every man, woman and child in or about it.' Each 
wing of the regiment wheeled from the centre and marched in contrary 
directions, coming round to the house and surrounding it from opposite sides. 
The whole gang was captured and tried by court martial, and the ringleader, 
Thomas Hickey, was sentenced to be hung. The others were sentenced to the 
Sinsbury mines for life. 

When Hickey was hung White was one of the guard of 52 men, picked 
from as many difiFerent companies, who performed that duty. 

This story is confirmed by Herrick, of Marlboro, and others who were sol- 
diers and present at the time." 

An examination of the Massachusetts Kolls and Mr. White's pension 
declaration, verified July 4, 1820, confirms most of the foregoing. 

His name appears on a roll of Captain Samuel White's Company of 
Colonel J. Dagget's Regiment of minute men that marched from Mansfield 
in response to the Lexington Alarm April 19, 1775. 

A few days later it appears that he enlisted for eight months in Captain 
Moses Knap's Company of Colonel Joseph Reed's Regiment and served till 
January 1, 1776. 

January 1, 1776, he re-enlisted for one year in the same company and 
Regiment. Samuel Wellman was a "messmate." 

After the evacuation of Boston in March, 1776, they marched to New York. 

White says he was "in the battle of Lor^g Island, and the battles of Harlem 
Heights on York Island." Wellman says he was "at the ^Vhite Plains" and 
"in the battles of East Chester and Trenton. (See Samuel Felt.) 

White's pension declaration says that he was "honorably discharged on 
account of ill health in December, 1776." The battle of Trenton was December 
26, 1776, indicating that he could not have taken part. This is confirmed 
by an affidavit of White, attached to Wellman's application, in which, after 
stating that they were in the same company and "messmates," he add: "Some 
of the first days of December in the same year of 1776, then being at Peeks- 
kill in the State of New York, and I being an invalid, said regiment was 
ordered to march to the Jerseys. I saw said Wellman march oif with the 
regiment, and I saw him no more until I saw him at home some time after 
his time of service had expired." 

The battle of Princeton was January 3, 1777, so it seems certain that 
White was at neither Trenton nor Princeton. 

On the other hand, it is probable that he performed considerable militia 
service not mentioned in his declaration, as at the time he made it such service 
did not count for a pension. 

154 



He certainly was at Long Island, Harlem Heights and White Plains. 

The Battle of Long Island, which White mentions, is worthy of note. 

The Declaration of Independence was adopted July 4, 1776. At that time 
the main patriot army relied ui)on for its maintenance was at New York. 
There were not more than l>,000 men all told. Of these at least two thousand 
were destitute of firearms, and the weapons of half the others were in such 
bad condition they were scarcely fit for use. They had little ammunition, and 
their Conmiissary Department was in a most wretched condition. 

As Howe with his superb British Army, just refitted at Halifax, approached 
appeals were made to all the colonies from Massachusetts to Virginia to collect 
every man and every old musket and shotgun and come to oppose him. 

Many came till there was an army, on paper, of twenty thousand men, 
but such an army! No less than six thousand of them were sick. Says Mr. 
Fisher in his "Struggle for American Independence": "Besides disease, 
which was so prevalent among them, they were a most undisciplined, disor- 
derly rabble, marauding on the inhabitants and committing all kinds of 
irregularities. * * * To handle such a disorganized mob so as to offer 
any respectable resistance to Howe's disciplined troops was a task requiring 
qualities of mind and character which few men besides Washington pos- 



There was, however, a nucleus of good men from the veterans like White, 
and most of the others were brave, and much more efficient than they looked. 

The British Army landed on Statcn Island. Washington's headquarters 
were on Manhattan Island, or "York Island," as White calls it, in the "City" 
which then was only a village on the southern point. 

Defensive works were thrown up on Brooklyn Heights across the East 
river, and eight thousand of the best troops were placed in charge. 

Howe crossed over from Staten Island to Long Island with twenty thou- 
sand and, on Augrust 2Tth, made a general attack. 

The Americans outnumbered, and in some respects, outpeneralled, fought 
with suri>rising bravery, but suffered severely. The 2Sth found the survivors 
hemmed in with the river behind them and apparently no chance of escape 
as the British fleet was in the harbor. It rained, however, and the wind was 
tempestuous, so the ships did not move. Washington sent reinforcements, all 
he had, so that the force was increased to about ten thousand men, and him- 
self took charge. The wind and rain continued on the 2Uth. ^[t. Fisher telk 
the rest of the stor>' as follows: "Washington was unwilling to trust any longer 
to the northeast wind, because the British trenches were coming nearer, and 
his troops had been standing in the pelting rain for nearly two days, without 
sleep, not daring to lie di»wn at night, and with nothing to eat but cold bread 
and raw pork. He had himself been riding along the lines to encourage the 
men during all that time, without leaving the saddle. 

He accordingly issued an order, during the morning, to collect every kind 
of boat that could be found along the neighboring shores, for the ostensible 
puriKise of carrj-ing the sick and wounded to New York, and bringing some 
fresh regiments fn;)m New Jersey. At eight o'clock in the evening, the 
embarkation began, with much marching, and countermarching. As each 
regiment departed to the shore, at Fulton Ferr>-. anotlier vould Ik* moved or 

155 



extended to fill the gap, and the fires were kept burning, and the outposts at 
their stations. 

At first the northeast wind rendered the movements of the boats to the 
opposite shore very slow, but before midnight the weather cleared and the 
wind changed to southeast, so that Glover's Massachusetts men from Marble- 
head and Hutchinson's from Salem, most of them seamen, could use sails on 
the boats. But, even with this advantage, there were some six regiments 
still in the works, when daylight appeared, and they could hear the pickaxes 
and shovels of the British in the trenches. Luckily, a morning fog arose, and 
under cover of it these regiments slipped down to the ferry. The whole army 
of nearly ten thousand, with their prisoners, wounded, baggage and stores, 
got safely across to New York, and it has been counted one of the most 
skillfully conducted retreats of history." 

For the subsequent campaign, including Harlem Heights and "White 
Plains, see Samuel Felt. 

The battle of Harlem Heights on September 15, in which White partici- 
pated, was fought by the rear guard of the American army, under General 
Putnam, protecting the retreat of the main body toward the north. The 
troops engaged suffered greatly, but fought exceedingly well, thereby relieving 
to some extent the depression caused by the loss at Long Island. 

"They've turned at last! Good-by, King George, 

Despite your hireling band! 
The farmer boys have borne a brunt, 

The prentice lads will stand! 
Though Peace may lag and Fortune flag. 

Our fight's as good as won; 
We've made them yield in open field ! 

We've made the Redcoats rmi 1" * 

No wonder White mentioned it, as connection w'ith Harlem Heights was 
always regarded with pride. The campaign of the summer of 1776 was one 
of the hardest of the whole war, and it is not surprising that his health broke 
down under it. 

The plot against the life of Washington, to which Griffin refers, occurred 
in June, 1776, before the arrival of the British. This, however, was not the 
"Conway" plot, — that came later. The officer mentioned was probably not 
"Colonel" Heath, but General William Heath of Massachusetts, who, in 
his diary, published in 1798, under the title "Memoirs of the American War," 
makes mention of the Hickey incident and says he was hung June 28, 1776, 
adding "the same day the British arrived at Sandy Hook." 

This diary has recently been reprinted with, among others, the following 
editorial note: 

"Washington, in June, 1776, had his headquarters in the house down 
at Richmond Hill, near the present intersection of Charlton and Varrick 
Streets, New York. Comely Phoebe Fraunces, daughter of a well known 
publican,! of the town, was the housekeeper, and to her fidelity he owed the 
defeat of the conspiracy referred to by Heath. William Tryon, late royal 
governor of New York, from his refuge on board a British man of war 

♦From "Haarlem Heights," by Arthur Guiterman. 

t Fraunces Tavern still stands, and is owned and occupied as headquarters, by the New 
York Society of the Sons of the Revolution. 

156 



lying in the harbor, had hud, with friends on shore, a plot to seize the town. 
One part of the plan was to murder the American commander by Thomas 
Ilickey, a British deserter who liad become a member of Washiixgton's body- 
guard. But Ilickey lost his heart to Phoebe Fraunces, and made her his 
confidante. She revealed the plot to her father, who made it known to 
"Washington. Ilickey, when arrested, confessed his crime, and revealed the 
details of the plot. David ^latthews, the royalist mayor of the town, con- 
victed of correspondence with Tryon, was thrown into jail, while Hickey, 
as Heath relates, was hanged at the intersection of Grand and Chrystie Streets, 
in the presence of twenty thousand spectators." 

The expression, afterwards frequently heard, "put none but Americans on 
guard" originated at that time. 

White came to Packersfield about 1781, and located on the farm now 
owned by Mr. John Stevens. He died in Nelson, December 21, 1846, at the 
age of 89, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. 

SAMUEL WHITE. 

Born July 29, 1750, in Xorton (afterwards called ^Innsfield), Mass. The 
son of Captain Samuel White who commanded the local Militia Company and 
saw much service from 1775 to 1780. 

"The Nicholas White Family," an admirable genealogical work, says of 
the younger Samuel, that he "married November 30, 1773, Mary, daughter 
of Nathan and Judith (^\^lite) Williams of Mansfield. They moved to 
Packersfield (now Nelson), N. H., during the Revolutionary war, or soon 
after. He enlisted in the war from Mansfield, and was much engaged in the 
revolutionary service." 

The name "Samuel White" appears very frequently on the Massachusetts 
Rolls throughout the war, but the residence is usually not given, so just 
what relates to the subject of this sketch cannot with certainty be identified 
beyond the fact that he was in Captain Jolin Allen's company, enlisted July 
27, 1780, on a Rhode Island "Alarm." 

He located in Packersfield, first on the old road running north over City 
Hill, and afterwards on a part of the "Gardner Fletcher" place where he 
di«-d K.'liruary >s, 1798. 

JOSIAIl WHITNEY. 

Born at Harvard, Mass., February 25, 1753. Son of Colonel, afterwards 
General Josiah Whitney, who was active throughout the war. 

The younger Josiah, as a coriK)ral, was a member of Captain Jonathan 
Davis' Company- of Colonel John Whitcomb's Regiment of Minute Men, 
which marched from Harvard to Cambridge on the Alarm of April 19, 1775. 
Absent 19 days. 

Member of Captain Manasseh Sawyer's Company of Colonel Nicholas 
Dikes Regiment from July to December, 1770. Stationed about Boston. 

Probably other service. 

Came to Packersfield about 1779. Settled in the northeast quarter on the 
place now owned by Miss Green. Ditd tlu-re January :.'. 1'«l'7. liuritd in 
cemetery on the Town Common. 

157 



OLIVEK WHIT^^EY. 

Born in Natick, Mass., in 1745. 

In Captain Joseph Morse's company of Colonel Samuel Bullard's Regi- 
ment which marched from Xatick in response to the Lexington Alarm, April 
19, 1775. 

Enlisted April 25, 1775, probably for eight months, in Captain James 
Mellen's Company of Colonel Jonathan Ward's Regiment. 

Probably other service. 

Came to Packersfield prior to 1785, and located in the south part. 

Removed to Cavendish, Vt., where he died in 1815. 

LEVI WILDER. 

Bom in West Boylston, then part of Lancaster, Mass., August 11, 1758. 

From December 8, 1775, to January 17, 1776, and perhaps longer, in Cap- 
tain White's Company before Boston. Enlisted from Lancaster. 

In Captain Samu^ Sawyer's Company of Colonel Jonathan Smith's Regi- 
ment, four months service in 'New York ending December 1, 1776. In the 
engagement at Kips Bay, September 15, 177G. Enlisted from Lancaster. 

May 24, 1777, enlisted from Sterling, Mass., for three yearri in Captain 
Joseph Hodgkins Company of Colonel Timothy Bigelow's Regiment, Fifteenth 
Massachusetts Continental Line. Discharged May 24, 1780. 

In a pension declaration, verified April 4, 1818, Wilder stated that in the 
summer of 1777 he joined the Continental Army at Stillwater, and "was at the 
taking of Burgoyne." (See David Kimball.) Then marched to Pennsylvania 
and wintered at Valley Forge, 1777-78. (See William Parker.) In the 
spring of 1778 marched to Monmouth, N. J. (See Abijah Wetherbee), and 
later to Rhode Island, where spent the winter of 1778-79 under General Sulli- 
van. Then went to White Plains, N. Y. Spent the winter of 1779-80 in 
the Highlands near West Point. (See David Kimball.) 

On his discharge married Sarah ]\[oody, and lived for a time in Temple- 
ton, Mass., where their eldest child Clarissa was born, July 27, 1785. 

March 15, 1786, Clement March and others deeded to Levi Wilder .of 
Templeton, Mass., land in the southwest quarter of Packersfield. ]n the latter 
place the births of the following children of Levi and Sarah were subsequently 
recorded, viz.: Abner, May 15, 1787; Sally, January 24 1791; Rebecca, Sep- 
tember 26, 1792; and Levi, June 29, 1796. He subsequently removed to 
Cornish, N. H., where he was living at the time of his pension declaration. 

After stating his service and discharge, he adds: "This deponent further 
says that^in August, 1786, he lived in a house in Nelson in this county of 
Cheshire, then called Packersfield, and there had his said discharge, when on 
the 27th day of said August this deponent's said house was consumed by fire 
while this deponent and his family were all absent at public worship, and the 
said discharge together with the other contents of said house was consumed 
by said fire." 

ARCHELAUS WILSON. 

Born in Woburn, Mass., August 11, 1746. At the outbreak of the war 
living in Temple, N. H. 

158 



Marched from Temple to Cambridge on the Lexington Ahinn, absent 14 
days. 

Came to Packersfield in 1777 or 177b, and settled about a mile and a half 
northeast of the center on "Prospect Hill" (later called City Hill), where 
there were in recent times some large willow trees near a cellar hole. 

At a town meeting held March 29, 1779, was elected Selectman. In the 
Clerk's Minutes is given the title "Lieutenant." 

In New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. IG, at page 751, is the following: 

"The State of New Hampshire, Debtr. to the Town of Packersfield, 
in the County of Cheshire, in the State of Now Hampshire, to Thirty 
Pounds Paid to Jonathan French in July, 1779 f(»r going to Rhode 
Island. Thirty Pounds bounty and twelve pounds travel money, and 
to Samuel Wellman and John Taylor at the same time for going in 
the Continental Army for one year Sixty Pounds, each we received 
of Constables of Packersfield aforesaid, being paid out of their State 
Tax, which we humbly request may be paid to said Constables and 
that an order on their account may be drawn on tlie treasury, in favor 
of Dr. Nathl. Breed, & As in Duty Bound "We shall ever Pray. 

Stephen P.\rker \ Selectmen of 
AitCHELis Wilson i Packersfield." 

Was subsequently active in town affairs for many years. At a town meet- 
ing held March 20, 1787, it was "Voted to provide two carj^enters to assist 
the Master Workman in framing the Meeting House. Voted that Lieut. 
Archelus Wilson and Mr. Allen Breed be the assistant workmen. Voted to 
allow the Master Workman six shillings per day and the other workmen four 
shillings per day. Voted to procure ten underhand.s to work at the meeting 
house and to allow said hands three shillings a day." Three .shillings was the 
equivalent of fifty cents in silver. The "Master Workman" was Samuel 
Cummings. 

Wilson died in Packersfield, June 2S, ls02, and is buried in the cemetery 
<in the Town Common. 

JOSEPH WINCH. 

Enlisted from Packersfield !March 21, 17>1, in Continental Army for three 
years. 

Said to have come from Framinghani, ^lass., in which ca.se probably had 
other service, but cannot certainly be identified. 

JOEL WRIGHT 

One of the town otficers of Packersfield. Elected August 1. I77r». 

Signer of the Association Test in April, I77l). 

In Captain Francis Towne's Company in Colonel David Oilman's Regi- 
ment, raised by the State of New Hampshire in December, 177G, to reinforce 
the Continental Army in New York. SerAice from December 5th, 1776, to 
March 12, 1777. 

NEHEMIAH WRIGHT. 

Born in October 12, 1750. aiul living at Dunsta!)l»'. N. H.. at tlu' outbreak 
of the war. 

159 



August 16, 1832, made a pension declaration which reads as follows: 

"1st. In 1775 enlisted first of May for 8 months in Capt. Wm. Watkins 
Co., Col. James Heed's Eegt., N. H. Troops. Joined the army at Cambridge. 
On guard and fatigue duty. Then to Charleston. Went onto Bunker Hill. 
Was in the battle of Bunker or Breed's Hill under Gen. Ward, or Gen. 
Pomeroy. (See Samuel Griffin.) Understood Gen. Putnam was then 
retreated back to Cambridge. I went onto Winter Hill, worked tending 
mason in building the barracks on Winter Hill. Eemained there till my 8 
months expired and was dismissed there the last day of December. Returned 
home. 

"2nd. In 1776, first of September, enlisted for three months, Capt. Wm, 
Reed's Company, Col. Baldwin's N. H. Rcgt. Went to Hartford and was 
there in a guard of baggage wagons to Stamford, Conn. Then rejoined the 
company. Then through Horseneck and to White Plains. Was there attached 
to Lord Stirling's Brigade. Was in sight of the battle (White Plains), but 
was not allowed to have any part, being on guard. Returned to the High- 
lands. Dismissed there on the expiration of my term of service, which was 
the first of December. Went from Dunstable, N. H., where I then lived, into 
both services, and was in the New Hampshire troops in both services." 

Wright was the maternal grandfather of Gen. Simon Goodell Griffin. The 
paternal grandfather of the latter was Samuel Griffin. The two grandfathers- 
that-were-to-be perhaps first met at Bunker Hill. (See story of the battle 
under Samuel Griffin.) 

It would seem a little strange, that "Lord" Stirling should command an 
American brigade. He was not a real Lord, but was so called because he 
had once unsuccessfully claimed a lapsed Scotch title. Neither was his name 
"Stirling," but plain William Alexander of New Jersey. 

Wright came to Packersfield in September, 1783, and settled near Long 
Pond. 

He died in Nelson February 18, 1842. 

OLIVER WRIGHT. 

Bom in Westford, Mass., April 14, 1758. A brother of Nehemiah Wright. 
At the outbreak of the war living in Dunstable, N. H. 

August 16, 1832, he made a pension declaration which reads as follows: 

"1st. In 1775 volunteered in December at Dunstable, N. H., in Capt. 
Blanchard's Co, N. H. troops; marched to Winter Hill, Mass. I was there 
attached to Col. James Reed's Regiment and was stationed at Temple's Farm, 
so called, till the barracks on Winter Hill were completed, then stationed 
there. Dismissed there after serving 6 months, and returned home. 

"2nd. In 1776 volunteered again at Dunstable for 3 months. Capt. Wm. 
Reed's Co. Col. Baldwin's Regt. N. H. Troops. Marched to Hartford, Conn., 
and took charge of an ammunition wagon to Stamford, Conn., and then 
rejoined our company. Then through Horseneck to White Plains. Was put 
into Lord Sterling's Brigade. AVas in sight of the battle (White Plains) but 
was not allowed to serve my part, being on guard, and was not in the battle. 
Then retreated to the Highlands and remained there till term of service 
expired. Was dismissed there the first of December. 

160 



"3rd. In 1777, last of June, volunteered aj^ain fnnn Dunstable to go to 
Ticonderoga under Lieut. Adams. Marched as far as ^larlboro, X. H., and 
then had orders to return home for Ticonderoga was taken. Joined no com- 
pany. Was out 4 or 5 days and returned home. 

"4th. In 1777, about the middle of August, took the place of Moses Hardy, 
Capt. Kussell's company, Col. Bullard's lieg. ^klassaehusetts troops. Wont to 
Bennington and then to Mount Independence near Ticonderoga. Crossed the 
lake to the Xew York side to cover Col. Brown's retreat from Old Ti. and 
retreated back to Bemis Heights, and joined the main army there. Then 
followed Burgoyne to Saratoga. Was there when Burgoyne surrendered. 
From there down the river to below White Plains. Was dismissed tliere 1st 
of Dec. Was out about three and a half months. 

"The first three services in Xew Hampshire troops, the last in ^fass. 
Militia. Was bom in Westford, Mass., in the year 1758. Was living in Dun- 
stable in New Hampshire when went into all the services. Have lived in 
Nelson 48 years and now live there. Was a volunteer in all services, but was 
a substitute for Moses Hardy in the last service. Recollect in last service 
Gen. Gates, Col. Scanunel and Col. Brown as mentioned. Josiah Bobbins and 
Joshua Kittredge, both of Xelson aforesaid, are acquainted with me and can 
testify as to my veracity, and as to their belief of my services in the Revolu- 
tion." 

Wright came to Packersfield, according to his statement, in 1784. He 
lived in South East Quarter. Died in Nelson September 3, 1846, and is 
buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. 

OLIVER WRIGHT, JR. 

Enlisted from Packersfield and served in the Continental Army at West 
Point from July 18 to December 12, 1781. 

At a town meeting held July 6, 1781, it was "Voted to give Mr. Oliver 
Wright Twenty-one Pounds in Silver and Winter Two Cows for his Serving 
the Town in the army until the Last day of December next. That the 
Selectmen agree to Cut Down Twelve acres of Land for Mr. Oliver Wright 
in Part of his hire. That William Barker go with Mr, Wright to see him 
mustered and make return." 

As Oliver Wright, brother of Nehemiah, does not mention this service in 
his pension declaration, there were evidently two of the same name. 



1«1 



A JOURNAL OP THE EXPEDITION AGAINST QUEBEC, 

1775, 1776, 

Written hy Private Ehenezer Tolman of Captain Samuel Ward's Company in 
Colonel Benedict Arnold's Detachment. 

Tolman's Joiirnal has had an extraordinary history. Owing to the cir- 
cumstances under which it was produced, it was originally a rather crude 
affair and, in the course of time, it became worn and dilapidated to such 
extent that the last few pages were lost. Much interest was taken in it 
and Tolman, unfortunately, was induced to make tw^o or three copies of it 
for his friends. After his death the original manuscript remained in the 
possession of his son Mr. William Tolman of Watertown, New York. 

In April, 1852, the contents of most of it were printed in the "New 
England Historical and Genealogical Register" and attributed, not to Tolman, 
but to "Joseph Ware of Needham, Mass." 

The "Register" was published by the New England Historic-Genealogical 
Society, of which, at that time, Mr. John Goodwin Locke of Boston was a 
prominent member. He knew about Tolman and his journal from the fact 
that Mrs. Tolman was a daughter of Sarah Locke, and at that very time 
he was compiling a genealogy of the Locke family. Perceiving that the 
Register had made a mistake, he at once wrote William Tolman and the 
latter mailed him the journal, receipt of which Locke acknowledged in a 
letter, still in existence, dated April 8, 1852. 

In 1853, "The Book of the Lockes" was published. At page 323 the 
author, among other things, states that he had compared the Tolman manu- 
scripts with that of Ware; that both were in the same handwriting; that 
the handwriting was that of Ebenezer Tolman; that the Ware document was 
evidently written at one time with one pen, and was clean and unworn, 
while the other, obviously written at many different times, was in a bad 
state of preservation, etc. He also recorded the statements of Tolman's 
children that their father had many times told them that he wrote it con- 
temporaneously with the events recorded. 

Thirty-three years later, in 1886, as part of the proceedings of the 
Massachusetts Historical Society, exactly the same thing was printed again, 
and this time the author was said to have been "Ebenezer Wild." 

In 1903, Mr. Justin H. Smith, then Professor of Modern History at Dart- 
mouth College, published his admirable work, "Arnold's March from Cam- 
bridge to Quebec." While making his preliminary investigations, he naturally 
concluded that the same thing covild not have been written by both Ware 
and Wilds. Before he was through he demonstrated conclusively not only 
that neither of them ever claimed he wrote such journal, but that they could 
not have written it, for neither of them went on the expedition. (The Ware 
in Tolman's Company was not the Needham man.) He further showed by 
official military records just where each of them was at the time. He became 
just as thoroughly convinced that Tolman did write it as that the others 
did not, and, in his book, pages 44, 273, treated the matter exhaustively, — it 

162 



is to be hoped, settling it fnrcvcr. TIjc present whereabouts of the original 
Journal seems somewhat of a mystery. Prof. Smith says, — "According to 
the son of William Tolman, who owned it in 1850, Mr. Locke was to have 
placed it for safe keeping in some historical library in Boston." Nobody seems 
to know exactly which one, if any, he selected. The Tolman family have 
a copy. 

Prof. Smith suggests that several of those who wrote Journals, including 
Tolman, conferred while in prison and thus were each able to record some 
things not within his personal observation. 

The following is what Ebenezer Tolman wrote. — Eds. 

Sept. ISth. Marched from Cambridge in the evening and encamped at 
Maiden that night. 

nth. This morning marched very early, and encamped that evening at 
Beverley. This day marched 25 miles — the weather very sultry. Nothing 
material. 

15th. This morning marched hrish-ly along, and got into Newhuryport at 
8 o'clock at night, where we were to make a stay for some days. 

16th. In Neichuryport, waiting for thz vesaels, getting ready to cnrri/ us 
to Kennebec. 

17th. This day had a general review, and our men appeared well, and in 
good spirits, and made a grand appearance, and we had the praise of hundreds 
of spectators, who were sorry to see so many brave fellows going to be sacrificed 
for their country. 

18th. Had orders to embark in the evening; our fleet consisted of eleven 
sail of vessels, — sloops and schooners; our number of troops, consisted of 
1300 and 11 companies of musketmen and three of riflemen. ]Ve were all 
embarked this evening and lay in the river all night. 

19th. Early this morning weighed anchor with a pleasant gale, our colors 
flying, drums and fifes a playing, and the hills all around covered with pretty 
girls weeping for their departing swains. This night had like to have proved 
fatal to us, for we were close aboard of the rocks, before ice knew anything 
about it. We were immediately all called upon deck, expecting every moment 
to be dashed in pieces against the rocks, hut the wind fortunately freshening, 
we got clear after several tacks, to the great joy of us all. 

SOth. Arrived at Kennebec river, rowed and sailed up against the wind 
and tide. 

21st. Arrived at fort Weston, where we halted for some days, and here 
we were furnished with bateaux and provisions, for carrying us up the river. 
Continued here the 22d. 23 and 2>,th. 

25th. Embarked on board our bateaux and arrived at Fort Halifax in the 
evening of the 20th. 

21th. Carried over Ttconic falls our bateaux and provisiois, IfU rods land 
carriage, and then pushed up three miles. 

28th. Pushed up eight miles, the water so bad that the bateaux men were 
obliged to drag the boats up over the shoals, and in many places were up to 
their chins in water. 

29th. Pushed up to the second carrying-place, called Cohiggin falls. 

SOth. Carried over 60 rods and pushed up 3 miles. 

1G3 



October 1st. Pushed up over rods and shoals, ivhere we were many times 
over head in water, pulling the bateaux over, and arrived at the third carrying 
place in the evening. 

2nd. This day carried over Norridgeivalli falls, one mile and a quarter and 
then encamped very uncomfortably this night after carrying our boats over 
roots, and rocks and mud. 

Sd. Pushed up 11 miles on our way. Capt. Hendrich's company of rifle- 
men shot a young moose which weighed about 200 lbs; but we had none of 
it, they being before us. This day we left all inhabitants, and entered an 
uncultivated country, and a barren wilderness. The timber for the most 
part is birch, pine, and hemlock. Some places on the river side, there are 
pieces of ground, where large sugar trees grow. 

Jf-th. Pushed up eight miles to Tintucket or Hell Gate falls, and carry over 
forty perches. 

6th, 6th, £• 7th. Pushed up to the head of Kennebec, where we earned out 
into a pond. These three last days we came about 20 miles. 

8th. This day we pushed on very briskly, it being Sunday, the foremost 
company lying still on account of heavy rains, but we marched all day, it 
being very wet and cold, and we suffered a good deal from the inclemency of 
the weather, and came up with some of them at night. 

9th, lOth, & 11th. Carried to the first pond 5^2 miles land carriage, crossed 
the pond two miles. 

12th, ISth. Carried to a second pond ^^ of a mile, crossed the pond one 
mile over, then carried 2 miles to a Sd pond and crossed the pond two miles 
over. 

14th, 15th. Carried into Dead River three miles and went up one mile, 
then encamped at night. This river runs so still, that it can scarcely be per- 
ceived which way it runs; it is black ivater, about 4 I'ods wide and runs S. E. 

16th. The water now being deep and dead, we betook ourselves to our barge 
and rowed up six miles. 

17th. Rowed up (after carrying over a small carrying place, about 10 rods) 
16 miles. 

18th. Rowed up 20 miles, and carried over a small carrying place. 

19th. Carried over 4 carrying places, and rowed up about five miles this 
day.* 

20th, 21st, & 22d. Were detained in our tents by heavy rain. 

2Sd. The water being shallow, we were obliged to lay by our oars, and take 
our setting poles; we pushed up 10 miles. 

2Jfth. Our provisions growing scanty, and some of our men being sick, 
held a council and agreed to send the sick back, and to send a Captain and 
50 men forward to the inhabitants as soon as possible, that they might send us 
some provisions. Accordingly the sick were sent back, and Capt. Handchit 
with 50 men sent forward. Before this Col. Enos, ivith three captains and 
their companies turned back and took with them large stores of provision^ 
and ammunition, being discouraged, (as ive supposed) by difficulties they met 
with. This day got forward nine miles. The water very rapid and many of 
our boats were upset, and much of our baggage lost and provisions and guns. 

25th. Snowed all night; very cold this morning, pushed over two carrying 
places, and got forward 8 miles this day. 

164 



26th. Pushed up Jf ponds and carried over two carri/ing places, one of thttn 
a mile over. The ground covered with snow. 

21th. Crossed a pond V2 ^^f^c over, and carried 15 rods to another pond, 
2 miles over, to the Oreat Carrf/inrj place, Jf miles and 50 perches over. Uere 
it was agreed to leave most of our bateaux, being greatly fatigued by carrying 
over such hills, rocks and swamps, as were never passed by man before. 

28th. After carrying over the Great carrying place, we encamped by a 
small stream, running into Chaudiere Fond; dealt out to each man four pints 
of jiour and what little meat u'c had, which was about Jf oz. a man.^ 

29th. Early this morning set out for the head of Chaudiere river. This 
day we suffered greatly by our bateaux passing by us, for we had to wade 
waist high through swamps and 7'ivers and breaking ice before us. Here we 
wandered round all day and came at night to the same place, we left in the 
morning, where we found a srnall dry spot, where we made a fire, and we were 
obliged to stand up all night in order to dry ourselves and keep from freezing. 
We continued so till next day when a bateaux came up and took us across the 
river. 

30th. At noon were relieved from our miserable situation and we made the 
best of our way through the woods for Chaudiere. 

Slst. Pushed on for Chaudiere with all speed, in hopes of overtaking our 
bateaux in order to get some flour, for ours was all expended; but to our great 
grief and sorrow, our bateaux were stove and the flour was lost, and the men 
barely escaped with their lives; now we were in a miserable situation, not a 
mouthful of provisions, and by account 70 miles from inhabitants, and we 
had a wilderness, barren and destitute of any sustenance to go through, where 
we expected to suffer hunger, cold and fatigue. Here the captain with the 
ablest men pushed forward, in order to get provisions to send back for the sick. 

Xov. 1st. This morning started very early and hungry and little satisfied 
irith our night's rest. Travelled all day very briskly, and at night encamped 
in a miserable situation. Here tee killed a dog and we made a very great feast 
>i ithout either bread or salt, ive having been Jf. or 5 days without any provisions, 
ind we went to sleep that night, a little better satisfied. Our distress was so 
iireat, that dollars were offered for bits of bread, as big as the palm of one's 
hand. 

2d. This morning when we arose, many of us were so weak, that we could 
hardly stand, and we staggered about like drunken men. However we made 
shift to get our packs on, and marched off, hoping to see some inhabitants 
this night. A small stick across the road was sufficient to bring the stoutest 
to the ground. In the evening we came in sight of the cattle coming up the 
river side, which were sent by Col. Arnold, who got in two days before. li 
was the joyfuUest sight that ever I beheld, and some could not refrain from 
crying for joy. We were told by the men, who came with the cattle, that we 
were yet twenty miles from the nearest inhabitants. Here we kilhd a creature, 
and we had some coarse flour served out, straws in it an inch long. Here 
ire made a noble feast and some of the men were so hungry, before the creature 
was dead, the hide and flesh were on the fire broiling. 

3d. Marched this day 20 miles, tvading several small rivers, some of them 
up to our middle and very cold. In the mulim mmr in sluJil of a house, 
the first we had seen for Jfl days. 



Jtth. Last night had a plenty of leef and potatoes, hut little or no tread 
to he had. Snowed most of the night. In the morning marched doivn 
the river to inhabitants thick settled. 

5th. Continued our march down the river. The people very hospitable, 
provisions plenty, but very dear, milk one shilling sterling per quart, and 
bread a shilling per loaf, weighing no more than 3 pounds. Came this day 
twelve miles. 

6th. Came up with Col. Arnold, and the advance party. Marched off 
together at 2 o'clock and marched till 12 o'clock at night. Roads excessively 
bad, most of the way mid leg deep, with mud and water. Marched 17 miles. 

7th. Marched three miles, then halted till night, when a lieutenant and 
20 men were sent forward, to see if our way was clear. Accordingly they 
marched till near 2 o'clock in the morning, and when we halted we were 
in sight of Quebec, the river St. Lawrence between us and the totvn. 

8th. Took up our quarters along the river side, until our troops behind 
could come up; here we stayed till the 13th. By this time all the men alive 
were come up, several having perished with hunger in the woods. During 
our stay here, we took a midshipman, belonging to a frigate in the harbor, 
who came on shore with some others in a boat to carry away flour from a 
mill on our side of the river. The river is about one mile or some better 
wide. At the city one 28 gun frigate and a sloop of war, with some merchant 
men in the harbor. 

13th. Crossed the river at night in long boats and canoes. Some of the 
canoes over set in the river, but none of the men lost, only some few guns 
and some clothes. Got all over against morning at a place called ^Yolf's 
cove. 

IJtth. This morning were fired upon by the frigate, but received no damage; 
took up our quarters in some good houses near the town, which were 
forsaken by the owners. Here we remained till the 20th. During which 
time we were informed that there were not more than 100 regulars in the 
city, with a number of sailors and other new recruits, in all not exceeding 
four hundred under arms. The first day we came over the river, we passed 
close by the walls of the town, and gave three cheers without being molested 
by the enemy, who fired a few shots from their cannon, but did no harm. 

21st. Marched up the river 20 miles to Point Aux Tremble, our ammuni- 
tion being almost expended, and too scanty to attack the town with. Here 
we were joined by Genl. Montgomery with the York forces from Montreal, 
who had taken St. John's fort, Chambles and Montreal. In these places they 
took a great quantity of provisions, clothing, ammunition and cannon, with 
950 prisoners. Remained here till the 5th December, when we marched back 
to Quebec, and laid siege to the town. Continued the siege until the 29th, 
during which time we took several prisoners and cannonaded and bombarded 
each other both day and night. During these transactions the two men 
who had been left with Lt. M'Cleland, came to us and informed us that they 
had buried him at the first inhabitants, after he had been brought down the 
river by two Indians, hired by Capt. Smith for that purpose. 

29th. This night prepared to storm the city in two different places. Gen. 

Tolman at first mistook the date. The substance of this entry for Dec. 29th, is there- 
fore repeated under Dec. 30th and 31st. The latter is correct. 

166 



Montgomery with the York forces on one quarter and Col. Arnold on the other 
hand. Accordingly about 5 o'clock in the morning began the attack: they 
could not get to the wall, but retreated back to their quarters; their General 
and two leading officers being killed by the fire from the enemy. Col. Arnold 
with his party carried on the attack in his quarter, and got possession of their 
two-gun battery, and took 70 prisoners. Our colonel being wounded in the 
beginning of the attack, was carried back. The captains themselves then 
took the lead, and drove the enemy until overpowered by numbers, and sur- 
rounded, we were obliged to surrender ourselves prisoners of war. During 
the attack, Capt. Ilendrick and Capt. Hubbard, with Capt. Morgan's first 
Lieutenant were killed. 

Sunday, Dec. SOth £ 31st. It began to thicken tip towards night, and 
snowed very much. We were ordered to be in readiness, and at 2 o'clock at 
night, we were mustered, and got all fit for scaling the walls, and marched 
near to the city, some with ladders, some with axes, and some with saws. Gen. 
Montgomery with his forces, on the one quarter, and Col. Arnold on the other 
hand. Gen. Montgomery was to throw three sky rockets into the air for a 
signal for each party to strike together. Accordingly, about 5 o'clock, in the 
morning, began the attack; but they could not get to the walls, but retreated 
back to their quarters. Gen. Montgomery and two leading officers being killed 
by the fire from the city. There were three or four false flashes made, for a 
signal to retreat, but Col. Arnold did not receive them, but carried on the 
attack on his quarter, and got possession of their tivo gun battery, and took 
70 prisoners. Our colonel being wounded in the beginning of the attack, 
was carried back, and the captains themselves then took the lead, and drove 
the enemy, until overpowered by numbers and surrounded, we were obliged 
to surrender ourselves prisoners of war. During the attack Capt. Hendrick 
and Capt. Hubbard, with Capt. Morgan's first Lieutenant, were killed. Like- 
wise they set St. Roche all on fire. We were all put in the French convent, 
and there they gave us a gill of rum to drink and hard bread to eat. 

The following is a list of the killed, wounded and taken prisoners of the- 
American troops at Quebec, on the 31st December, 1775. 



Officers taken prison'rs 

Lt. Col Green 
Major Meggs 
Major Bigelow 
Adjt Febezer 
Capt. Mathew Duncan 



York forces killed. 

Genl. Montgomery 
Capt. Jacob Cheese- 
man 
Aid-de-camp Mc'I'her- 
son 

1st Battalion, S killed 

and one wounded. 
Sd Battalion, 2 killed 



Capt John Lamb's 
Company. 

Killed. 
Solomon Russel 
Martin Clark. 

Wounded. 
Capt. lAimb 
linrth Fi.<ther 
Thos. Oliver 
Eh/ Gladhill 
Barnes Burns 

Prisoners. 
Lt. Andrew Moody 
('apt. Lockhart, vol. 
Joseph Ashton, Sergt 
Bobt. Baird 



Bobt. Barwick 
James Arvin 
John Ash field 
Gasper Steyman 
Moses Brackit 
George Carpenter 
Thomas Winter 
Jacob Bennit 
Joseph Spencer 
Thomas Thorp 
John Conet 
Joseph Dean 
Benj. Vandervert 
John Martin 
John Fisher 

Listed in the King's 

service. 
James Patten 
John Poalk 



If. 



John Wilson 
Thomas Dey 
William Whiiiuell 
Thos. Morrison 
David Stone 
John Kelley 
John Johnston 
John IjUcox 
Wm. McLieu 
John Ritters 
Peter Fenton 
Shelly Holland 
Peter Nestle 
David Torrey 

Capt. Daniel Morgan's 
Company. 

Killed. 
Lt. Humphrey 
Wm. Rutlidge 
Cornelius Norris 
David Wilson 
Peter Wolf 
John Moore 
Matth ew Harhinson 
Rich'^ Colbert 

Wounded. 
Benj. Cacl-ley 
Solomon Fitzpairich 
Daniel Anderson 
Spencer George* 
Daniel Durst 
Hezel-iah Phillips 
Adam Hizkill 
John McGuire 
Jesse Wheeler* 

Prisoners. 
Capt. Morgan 
Lt. Wm. Heath 2d 
Lt. Bruin Sd 
Wm. FicJchis serg't 
Charles Porterfield do 
John Donaldson do 
John Rogers corp 
Benj. Grahh do 
John Burns 
John Conner 
Solomon Veal 
Jacob Sperry 
Adam Kurts 
John SJiouKs 
diaries Grim 
Peter Locke 
John Stephens 
David Griffith 



John Pearce 
Benj. RodericTc 
Thomas Williams 
Gasper de Hart* 
Benj. Mclntire 
Jeremiah Gordon 
Rowland Jacobs 
Daniel Davis 
Jehu Brown 
John Oram 
John Maid 
John Harbinson 
Jedediah Phillips 
Jacob Ware 
A bsnlom Brown 
Th omas Chapman 
Charles Secrests 
Jeremiah Riddle* 
William Flood 
William Greenway 
Rob't Mitchell 



lAsted in the King' 

service. 
John Cocl-ran 
Curtis Bramingham 
Timothy Feely 
Edw. S cedes 
Patrick Dooland 
Christopher Dolton 
Robt. Churchill 
Capt. Wm. HendricJc'i 
Company. 

Killed. 

Capt. HendricJc 
Demis Kelley 
John Campbell 

Wounded. 
John Henderson 
John Chesney 
Abraham. Swaggerty 
Philip Baler 

Prisoners. 

Td. Francis Nichols 
Thomas Gibson 
Wm. M'Coy 
John Chambers 
Robt. Steele 
John Blair 
Rich^i M'Chier 
James Reed 
John McLin 
Henry McGown 



Edward Roddin 
Daniel North 
Mathe^ Taylor 
Daniel Graham 
Tho. Anderson 
George Morrison 
John Ray 
Wm Kirk pat rick 
IT'" Gammel 
Henry Crone [Sergt.] 
Jacob Mason 

Listed in the King's 

service. 
Henry Turpentine 
Joseph Greer, Sergt. 
Barnabas McGuire 
Mathe'>'^ Cunning 
Daniel Carlisle 
Richard Lynch 
I^hilip Maxwell 
Peter Burns 
Thomas Witherup 
Thomas Murdock 
Francis Furlow 
TF'i Shannon 
Edw<K Morton 
Roger Casey 
W>n Snell 
George Morrow 
Daniel M'Cleland 
James Ireland 
Daniel O'llara 
Michael Young 
John Hardy 
James Greer 
Peter Frainer 
James Hogge 
William Burns 
Wm. O'Hara 
Alexander Burns 
Joseph Caskey 
John Cove 
Arch'd McFarlin 
Thomas Greer 
William Smith 
Joseph Wright 
John Cars well 
John Gardner 
Thomas Lisbe 

Capt. Smith's Comp'y. 
Killed. 
Alexander Elliot 
Henry Miller 
Ingrah art Mortworth 
James Angles 



*The significance of the star affixed to certain of these names is not now known. 



168 



Wounded. 
Lt. Rich'd Steele 
Juhn Miller 
Thomas Silhorne 
Peter Carhough 

Prisoners. 

Roht. Cunningham 
Thomas Boyd sergt. 
Sam'l Carbon gh 
Philip Neu'hoiise 
Conrad Meyers 
Conrad Sheyers 
Valentine Willey 
John Shafer 
Michael Shoaf 
Anthony Lehant 
John Henry vol. 
Edw. Egnew 
Patrick Campbell 
Joseph Dockerty 
Nicholas Nogle 
Thomas Gunn 

Listed in King's service 

Joseph Snodgrass sergt. 
Ilrnry Ilerrigan carp. 
Ilinry McAnalley 
Micliad Fitzpatrick 
Edward Cavener 
Timothy Conner 
William Randolph 
Robt. Richmond 
Alexander McCarter 
■John Anderson 
Hugh Boyd 
TJtomas Walker 
Joseph Jliggins 
Panirl Crane 
Ifinry Taylor 
Thomas Pugh 

Capt. Ilandchitt's 
Company. 

Killed. 
J.t. Sam' Cooper 
Xath' Goodrich 
W'm. Goodrich 
I 'iter Heady 
>pencer Mertvick 
Inhn Morriss 
Iheophilus Hide 

Wounded. 
David Sage 

Prisoners. 
Capt. Oliver Uandchitt 
I J. Abijah Savage 



Benj. Catlin, Quart"*' 
Peletiah Deivey, serg* 
Gabril Ilodgkiss, do 
Gershom Wilcox, do 
Rosicell Ransom, corp 
Jededinh Dewey, do* 
John Risden 
Samuel Biggs 
Samuel Bliss 
Rich'^ Brewer 
Sam' Burroughs 
Nath' Coleman 
Stephen Fosbury* 
Isaac George 
Isaac Knapp 
Edw'' Lawrence 
Joel Loveman* 
Elijah Marshall 
Daniel Rice 
David Sheldon 
Ichabod Swaddle 
Jonathan Taylor 
Sol am on Way* 
Noah Whipple 
Abner Stocking 
Moses White 
Simon Winter 

Listed in the King's 

service. 
John Basset, Drum''' 
Patrick Newgent 

Capt. Topham's Com- 
pany. 

Killed. 
Charles King 
Caleb Hacker 
Hugh Blackburn 



Wounded. 
Joseph Kenny on 
Baker Garlin 



Prisoners. 
Capt. John Topham 
Lt. Joseph Webb 
Lt. Edw. Sloakum 
Matthew Cogshall, serg' 
John Finch, do 
Reuben Johnson, do 
Stephen Tift 
Philip Rollins 
John Darling 
Oliver Dunnel 
Wm. Underwood 
Wm. Thomas 
Isaac Beatey 



Charles Sherman 
Benj. Trim 
Benj. Durphy 
Wm. Pitman 
Wm. Clark 
John Bentley 
Jeremiah Child* 
Thomas Price 
Samuel Geers 
Anthony Salisbury 

Listed in the King's 

service. 
Dan' Booth, sergt. 
Michael Clause y 
John Linden 
James Green 
Patrick Kelley 
Tobias Burke 



Capt. Thayer's Com- 
pany. 

Killed. 
Daniel Davidson 
Patrick Tracy 

Wounded. 
John Rankins 
David Williams* 
Peter Field 

Prisoners. 
Capt. Simon Thayer 
Lt. Humphreys 
Silas Wheeler 
Thomas Law 
James Hayden 
James Stone 
Silas Hooker* 
Jonathan Jacobs 
Stephen Mills 
Daniel Lawrence 
Elijah Fowler 
Banni.'iter Waterman 
Jouatlian Scott* 
Cornelius Hagerty 
Benj. West 
Je.<ise Turrell 
Samuel Ingolds 
Andrew Henman* 

Listed in King's service 

Thomas Page, serg* 
Moses Hemmingway 
John Robinson 
Wm. Dixon 
Wm. Clements 



109 



Edw. Conner 
Patrick Harrington 

Capt. Goodrich's Com 
pany. 

Killed. 
Amos Bridge 

Wounded. 
Noah Cluff 
NatW Lord 

Prisoners. 
Capt. Wm. Goodrich 
Lt. John Cumpton 
Ashley Goodrich, serg*. 
Augustus Dralce, do 
Festus Drake 
Daniel Doyle 
Jahez Chalher 
Benj. Buchman 
Samuel Buchman 
Paul Doran 
John Parrot 
John Lee 
David Pettes 
Caleb Northrup 
Roswell Ballard* 
Powell Foot 
Oliver Avery 
Elijah Alden 
Benj. Pearce 
A'hner Day 
John Taylor 
Josiah Root 
Rich<i ShacJdey 



Capt. ^Yard's] Comp', 

Killed. 
Bishop Standley 
Thomas Shepherd 
John Stephens 

Wounded. 
Eng^' James Tisdell 
Nath^ Brown, corp. 
Jahez Brooks 

Prisoners. 
Capt. Samuel Ward 
Lt. John Clark 
Lt. Sylvanus Shaw 
Amos Boynton, serg*. 
John Sleeper, corp. 
Samuel HaTbrooks* 
John Goodhue 



John Shackford 
Moses Merrill 
Nath^ Bahson 
Enoch Foot 
■Jacob True 
Josiah George 
Ebenezer Tolman 
Thomas Gay 
John Stickney 
Elijah Dole 
Elijah Hayden* 
Jeremiah Greenman 
Enos Chillis 
Gilbert Caswell 
John Gridley 
Wm. Dorr 
James Rust 
Joseph Pool 
Israel Barrit 
Bartholomew Foster* 
Joseph Ware 
Thomas Fisher 
Joseph Osburn* 
Listed in King's service. 
Charles Harkins 



Capt. Hubbard's Com- 
pany. 

Killed. 
Capt. Hubbard 
Sergt. Weston 

Prisoners. 
Lt. Sam^ Brown 
Jonathan Ball, serg*. 
Minaih, Farmer, Serg** 
Imther Fairbanks, do. 
Thomas Nichols 
Oliver Smith 
Simon Fobes 
David Patch* 
Thomas Mclntire* 
Benj. Phillips* 
Timothy Rice* 
Joseph White 
Aaron Heath 
Wm. Chamberlain 
Anthony Jones 
Russel Clark 
Paul Clap 
Joseph Parsons 
Samuel Bates 
Luke Nobles* 
Joseph Burr 
Oliver Edwards 
George Mills 



Listed in King's service. 
Charles McGuire 
Morris Hayward 
John Hall 

Capt. Dearborn's Com- 
pany. 

Prisoners. 
Capt. Henry Dearborn 
Lt. Nath'l Hutchins 
Lt. Amos Andrews 
Lt. Joseph Thomas 
John Flanders 
Jona. Perkins 
Caleb Edes 
Jona. Fogge 
Wm. Taylor 
Win. Preston 
Eben'- Tuttle 
Moses Jyimball 
Joseph Smith 
James Mehin 
James Beverley 
Jonathan Smith 
Samuel Sias 
Thomas Holmes 
Moses Folnsby 
Charles Hilton 
John Morgan 
Enos Reynolds 
Eliphas Reed 
Robert Heath 
Elkanor Danforth 
Nath'l Martin 
Jonathan N orris 
John Dobbin 
John McCalm 
Charles Budget 
Samuel Heives 
Aaron Serjant 



Total killed, 
Wounded, 
Prisoners, 

Total, 



35 
S3 

372 

uo 



York forces. 

Killed, 13 

Wounded, 1 

Total killed, toounded 
and taken, J^SJf.^^ 



170 



January i/* 1st, 1776. 

Our allowance of provisiojis is one pound of bread and a half pound of 
pork, and one gill of rice for a day, and 6 oz. of butter for a week. 

2d. 

In prison. This day tve had a cask of porter sent to us by some gentlemen 
of the town. 

3d & J,th. 

The general sent for a list of our names, of the old countrymen in par- 
ticular by themselves, that were with us, and they cJiiefly listed in the king's 
service. 

5th to the 8th. 

The prisoners petitioned to have their packs sent in to them, whereupon 
they sent out a flag, and received them for us. 

Sth to loth. 

The general sent for a list of the occupations of the prisoners. The small 
pox is very plenty with us. 

15th to 19th. 
Capt. Hubbard died with the wound he received a coming in. 

19th. 

This day I was taken down with the small pox and carried to the hospital 
and in 15 days was able to return to the prison. 

19th to 22d. 

Five of those that listed out of prison, and five others deserted the gar- 
rison in the night. There were two men put in irons for attempting to break ^ 
out of prison. 

22d to 25th. 

There were three vessels and a house burnt by our people. The enemy 
went into St. Roche after plunder. There were two of our people taken a 
going to set fire to the shipping. 

25th to 29th. 

There were eight men deserted the garrison. The people go out into 
St. Roche every day, and fetch in the remains of the buildings that were 
burnt. 

29th to 31st. 

Two men of Capt. ]Vard's company died with the small pox. The men 
are getting well, some of them. 

February 1st to the 5th 

There were 2 men deserted, 7 of our men died with the small pox, and 
one man died with the pleurisy, lie was sick but Jf days. 

171 



5th to the 9th. 
Three men deserted. Forty men lay sick in prison. 

9th to 12th. 

Very snowy. The storm very heavy. Three men were stifled to death 
in the night on duty. 

12th to 16th. 

This morning 60 men went to the hospital with the small-pox. The men 
have it very favorably. 

16th to 20th. 

Six of the old countrymen, that listed out deserted, and the remainder 
of them put into prison again, because those deserted. 

20th to 2Jfth. 

Five men died with the small pox. The enemy made an attempt to go 
out after our people's cannon, and got drove bach. There was a continual 
firing after them. 

2Jfth to 31st. 
Nothing remarkable. 

March 1st to the 6th. 
Three men deserted. 

6th to 10th. 

One of the prisoners was put in irons for talking u'ith one of the sentries. 
We hear that Boston is taken by our people. 

10th to ISth. 

There was an alarm in the city at 10 o'clock at night. A large picket was 
set around the prison, and a field piece before the door. 

13th to 18th. 

The "emigrants" are moved into the artillery barracks, and the rest of 
us into a stone goal and are locked up at 7 o'clock at night. 

18th to 25th. 
Nothing remarkable. 

25th to SOth. 

In the night one of the prisoners got out of prison and run to our people. 
We are in a miserable condition, having no wood, we almost freeze. 

SOth to 31st. 

Most of the prisoners consulted together to break out of prison, to try 
their best to take the town, but as one of the persons was cutting away 
some ice at the cellar door, in order to have it handy to open at a moment, 
to go out at, the sentry standing nigh, and hearing the cutting, acquainted 

172 



the oMcers of the guard, who acquainted some oilier officers, and they coming 
in, inquired who was cutting at the door, and what they were [about]. On 
which, one of the prisoners informed them of all the transactions that were 
going forward. The officers searched all th^ rooms in the prison, and every 
man's pack, to see if they could find any arms or ammunition, for they sup- 
posed some of the people in tJic town had supplied us with arms and ammu- 
nition; but they could not find any such thing with us. At this we were put 
all in to strong irons. 

April 1st to IJfth. 

Our people having a battery across the river, at Point Levi, they threw 
shot into the town very merry. The officers of the guard are very particular 
with us. They call a roll and count us morning and evening. 

nth to 27th. 

It is very sickly with tis. The scurvy and lameness rage very much, 
occasioned by living on salt provisions. 

27th to 31st. 
The town was alarmed in the night. 

May the 1st to the 6th. 
Nothing strange; but in great distress and despair. 

6th. 

This morning 3 ships came in with a re-enforcement of about one thou- 
sand men. All the bells in the town rang for joy most of the day. Then 
all the forces in the town marched out on Abraham's Plains to have a battle 
with our people, but they retreated as fast as possible and left a number of 
sick in the hospital. Likewise s6me of their cannon and ammunition with a 
number of small arms and packs. 

7th & Sth. 

The general ordered the irons to be taken off the prisoners. The general 
likewise gave the "Emigrants" their liberty again. This morning ttro ships 
came in. The ships have gone up the river, and a number of troops by land, 
for Montreal. 

0th to nth. 

Three ships and three brigs came in. There were six prisoners put in with 
us, taken strolling about. One company set out for Montreal. 

IJfth to 19th. 
Two ships went out. One of them a parkrt for England. 

19th to £3d. 
One ship and a number of small craft came in. Thirteen prisoners listed 
into the king's service. One ship sailed out. 

178 



23d. 
Our allowance is one pound of soft bread and one pound of "beef. 

2m to 26th. 

The militia have laid down their arms. One of those men that went out of 
prison was put on hoard a 50 gun ship; hut he did not incline to enter on hoard, 
and they put him in irons, and threatened to hang him, hut he was taken out 
of irons and put into prison again in the evening. Rohert Beard was taken 
out of prison and has got his liherty. He is going home hy water to Ireland. 

26th to 30th. 

One ship went out, and twenty came in. There were 8 or 9 prisoners taken 
out to work; they stayed out 1 or 2 days, and were required to sivear allegiance 
to the king-, that they would not take up arms against him, and to make known 
all experiments against him. 

30th & 31st. 

Four ships came in; one hrig and two ships ivent out. 

June y^ 1st to the 5th. 

Eighteen ships came in with Gen'l. Burgoyne. There are six thousand 
Hessians and Hanoverians come to assist the king's troops. Five hundred 
marched up the river for Montreal. 

5th. 

This day General Carlton with a number of the officers, came to see us, and 
enquired of us whether we had fared as well as they promised us we should 
when we were taken. We told him we fared very well. He said he did not 
take us as enemies, and likeivise said if he could rely upon our honors, he 
would send us to New England, if we would he quiet and peaceahle, and not 
take up arms any more. 

June y'' 6th, A. D. 1776. 

A copy of an ansiver sent to Gen'l. Carlton. 
May it Please Your Excellency : 

We, the prisoners in His Majesty's goals, return your Excellency our most 
happy and unfeigned thanks for your clemency and goodness to us whilst in 
imprisonment. Being sensible of your humanity, we give your Excellency 
thanks for your offer made us yesterday, and having a desire to return to 
our friends and families again, we promise not to take up arms against His 
Majesty, hut remain peaceahle and quiet in our respective places of ahode, 
and we further assure your Excellency that you may depend on our fidelity. 
So we remain your Excellency's humhle servants. 
Signed in hehalf of the pinsoners. 



June 7th to 12th. Thirteen of the prisoners were taken out to go a fishing. 
Two ships sailed. Gov'' Carlton has gone up to Montreal. One regiment has 
set out for the same place. The French are obliged to send a number out of 
every parish. 

174 



12th to 17th. Two of the prisoners that were out at work; run away. 

nth to 21st. A child killed with lightning. Two ships came in. 

21st to 25th. Nothing strange. 

S6th to SOth. The soldiers are cut short of their allowance of bread — 
half a pound a week; likewise the prisoners the same. A company marched for 
Montreal. One ship came in. 

July 1st to 7th. Five ships came in, and three schooners. Two prisoners 
were put in with «j?, that were taken up at Montreal hy the Indians. 

7th to llfth. Nothing remarkable. 

IJfth to 19th. Col. McLean came from Montreal. 

19th to 21st. A ship came in. One of the prisoners, that were taken last, 
was taken out and confined in close prison in irons for talking saucy to the 
provost. 

21st. This day a number of the prisoners, that went out to work, ran 
away through the woods. The general has sent after ihem. 

22d. The General has come down from Montreal. 

23d to 27th. One ship came in and one went out. One of the prisoners 
taken crazy. 

27th to 29th. One ship sailed. Two officers came into prison, and enquired 
if there were not some of us, that wanted shirts. They were told, there was 
a number of us that had none. They told us we should all have shirts, that 
wanted. They likewise told us, we should be sent home in ten days. 

29th to Slst. Our officers have the liberty of the toivn. 

August 1st to Sd. Nothing remarkable. 

Jfth. The General sent for all the prisoners to come in, who were out in 
the country at work, that were minded to go home. 

5th. This day ninety-five pi-isonrrs embarked on board the ship. 

6th. This day expected to embark, but were disappointed. 

7th. This day the men all in good spirits, and embarked on board the ships. 
Sixty of the prisoners on board the Mermaid. 

8th. This day our provisions are pork, peas and hard bread. The wind 
in our favor, but waiting for orders to sail. At night removed from the 
Mermaid to the John Christopher. 

9th. This day our provision is fresh meat and soft bread. The wind in 
our favor, but no orders to sail. 

10th. Last night a brig came down the river with 28 prisoners. At little 
Wolf's Cove, the wind blows up the river. 

11th. This morning the signal was given for sailing. Weighed anchor 
and went down about one mile. At night weighed anchor, and went down 
the river thirteen miles. The weather cold and stormy. 

12th. This morning the signal was given. We weighed anchor and beat 
down the river about 11 miles, and came to an anchor, the wind being strong 
against us. 

13th. This day we lay by wailing for the wind. 

IJfth. This morning weighed anchor with a pleasant gale of wind. Sailed 
down the river about 15 miles, and came to an anchor. Then hove up, and 
with a brisk wind, sailed down the river to the Isle Obeeck, 50 leagues from 
Quebec. 

175 



15th. Having a prosperous gale of wind, we made sail. In the afternoon 
passed hy a Frigate, lying in the river, to see if there was no fleet coming 
up except their own. 

16th. This day we had a very brief wind. 

17th. The wind breezed up in our favor. 

18th. Left Gasey and made St. Johns Island. 

19th. St. John's Island being eleven leagues long, we sailed by it most 
of the day. Hove in sight of Cape Breton Island, before we left Saint Johns. 
Espied a ship in distress, cast away on the end of the island, her foremast, 
mizzenmast and bowspHt carried away. A barge was sent on board from 
our convoy, but we have heard no return. 

20th. We were detained by beating round the island to get letters ashore 
to the Governor of the island, concerning the wreck, that was run ashore. 

21st. This day, we had a small breeze of wind against us. At night came 
to an anchor, in order to send a boat ashore with letters to the Governor. 

22d. This morning the boat went ashore and returned about sunset. Then 
hove up with a brisk wind. Sailed all night. 

2Sd. This day went thro' Canso Gut into Chebucto Bay. Left it this 
night and came in to the open ocean. 

24th. It was our misfortune to have the wind ahead, so that we drifted 
from our course, and made little or no head way this day. 

Sunday, 25th. The wind still ahead. Changed oiir course N. W., and 
made Cancer Shore that night. 

26th. This day the wind got about almost fair, and breezed up a very brisk 
gale about dark. 

27th. The wind held fair and strong till about 2 o'clock this afternoon. 

28th. The wind died away and there was a large swell. 

29th. This morning the wind quickened up, and the captain of the ship 
took an observation and found us to be in latitude Jf2°, which is Boston 
'latitude. 

30th. A light breeze, but very fair, and continued so this day. 

31st. We were told, by the second mate, that we were abreast of New York, 
and were afraid to put in for a harbor, for fear our Privateers would give 
them a basting. 

Sunday, Sept. 7st. Were this night informed, that we were south of 
Pennsylvania. 

2d. This day kept our course S. W. until the morning, the wind being 
yet ahead. 

3d. This morning we were almost up with the Virginia Cape. We about 
ship and run upon the other tack. 

Jfth. About 8 o'clock this morning, blew up a squall and a heavy shower 
of rain. We were obliged to shorten sail, and stand before it. 

5th. Fortune yet frowning in regard to the wind, we look up within two 
points. 

6th. We were informed by the shipmen, according to reckoning, that we 
were in the latitude of Philadelphia. Latitude 39° North. 

Here all that has been preserved of this Journal abruptly ends. The con- 
cluding pages many years ago were worn out and lost. See sketch of 
Ebenezer Tolman. — Eds. 



EXTRACT FROM A LETTER WRITTEN, ABOUT FIFTY YEARS 

AGO, TO A FRIEND IN THE WEST, BY MRS. MARY J. 

(MELVILLE) TOLMAN. 

"Dear Julia: — Do you ever indulge in reminiscences of your childhood's 
days? This is a favorite diversion of mine, and I feel sure that you still 
love to think of the dear hills of Nelson, and are not among those who have 
no interest in their native town. It always pains me when I hear one speak 
lightly of the place that gave him birth. Almost as soon might we expect to 
see one turn against his mother. 

I am sure you can never forget the old Meeting Hou.se on the hill, with 
the smooth "common," which was such a favorite play ground. And how the 
larger girls used to tell us there was "an old man in the Meeting House," till 
our youthful imaginations were so excited that we really believed we saw him 
looking upon us from those staring windows. Yet how strange it was, that, 
though on a wcck-day we could never rid ourselves of this impression so but 
that our timid feet would quicken their pace whenever we passed the meeting 
house, still on the Sahhath we gladly entered its courts, always feeling that 
these unsightly beings took their flight by Saturday night. 

How we used to watch the swallows as they worked so busily making their 
nests just under the eaves, reminding me of that passage in the Psalms: "The 
sparrow hath found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself where she 
may lay her young, even thine altars." 

It seems as if I could now see the slight form of good old "Father Newell" 
as he stopped lightly up those long stairs leading to the high pulpit. His form 
was indeed slight, but not his voice. Full and loud, it resounded to the farthest 
comer of the house, so that no child could sleep or read his book. 1 remember 
to this day the shudder that used to come over me as I thought "what if that 
soimding board should fall !" 

Then there was the little school house near by, and the long line of horse 
sheds, where we had so many games, and such fun while "tetering." Who 
ever heard of "see-saws" in those days? 

But still more distinct in my memorj' are the scenes in the new school 
house at the foot of the hill. What an army of great boys in those back seats 1 
No wonder that the modest teacher, just from college, turned pale and trem- 
bled before them as they rose up against him, while he attempted to enforce 
the rule that "no gum should be chewed in school." Wasn't that a scene 
for a painter, the teacher's arm uplifted, with ferule in hand to strike the 
IKjrsistent one, while that army from the rear rose up in defense like a 
corps de reserve? On the other side of the room were the girls, pale, trembling, 
and some wcn-ping. (Girls are always peacemakers, you know.) Wouldn't 
the honored Judge' and the brave General^ pronounce this a ludicrous scene, 
if it could now be photDgraphed just as it then appeared? 

Do you renumber, too, how much we felt the dignity of advancing years 
as soon as our mothers consented to our staying out till nine o'clock, and 

>Hoii. Silas Hardy. 
*Oen. 8. S. Griffln. 



then followed the little parties which were so gladly anticipated, and which 
engaged our thoughts far more than our studies for days before each gathering. 
Then the maple sugar parties, and the singing school, which we must surely 
attend, without a single evening's failure. One would certainly have thought 
that the progress of the whole musical world depended upon our fidelity in 
attending the "singing school." 

I often live those pleasant days over again, when I visit dear old Xelson 
from time to time, and the scenes of the past come rushing back with peculiar 
freshness. I pity you, my dear friend, that, far away in your western home 
you can not often expect to enjoy this privilege. 

Each year I go to Nelson from the sandy plains where so many are longing 
for the cool breezes from the hills, and are wishing for some quiet home 
where for weeks the words dress and fashion may not be heard. Such 
delightful scenery! With Monadnock towering up from the south, and the 
vmbroken chain of wooded hills far round to the northwest, where Ascutney 
just lifts her head as if to allow you a slight glimpse of her beauty. 

Oh, yes! The everlasting hills remain just as when our young feet trod 
them." 

Mauy. 



178 



NELSON. 

I have visions to-night of a quiet old town, 

'Mong the hills of old Cheshire, nestling down. 

I see the old Church, and the School-house, close by. 

And under their shadow the homes hovering nigh. 

The hills, and the valleys, now white with the snow. 

But their outline's the same as when, long ago, 

Their heights and their depths, were the wide world, to me, 

And I knew not other than what I could see, 

Between the hills lying eastward that bounded my view, 

And those rising westward to meet the bright blue. 

Circling round to the north, their outlines grew dim, 

While away in the southward Mt. Monadnock rose grim. 

But where are the forms, the faces of yore ? 

We seek them in vain, we see them no more; 

They sleep on the hillside that slopes to the west ! 

Other feet tread the paths their footsteps once pressed 

On others has fallen the mantle they wore. 

Others are bearing the burdens they bore; 

In familiar old homes strange faces are seen. 

Strange voices are heard where once thoy have been. 

Or the house is deserted, and time, and decay, 

Are doing their work ; while far, far away, 

In some busier spot other homes they have made, 

Long miles from the spot where their kindred are laid. 

Scattered and gone, still the old town is the same, 

Same in its hills and its valleys, its rocks and its name. 

And ofttimes we long to sit in the shade 

Of some leafy old tree where in childhood we played ; 

With the brook at our feet, where our miniature boat 

We freighted with pebbles and set it afloat, 

As now we are floating out with the tide, 

From old homes, and old memories, to the far, farther side; 

And when we anchor at la.-^t on the shores of the blest, 

We would that these world-weary bodies should rest 

In the old grave-yard, 'neath the same INfother Earth 

That our infant feet pressed, the home of our birth. 

Ellen M. Tagg.\rd. 



179 



XELSOX. 
A Xew Hampshire Village. 

Near where Monadnock's broad back towers 
In purple mantle shot with blue. 

The peaceful village smiles in bowers 
Of leafy elms its founders knew. 

'Neath Melville's Hill and Black Top's peaks 
It nestles snug from winter's blasts, 

With ribbon lanes that cross its creeks 
And streamlets where the trout swim fast. 

The white frame church that tops the slope 
Where slants the sunset's golden rays 

Lifts high and clear its spire of hope 

To guide those hearts that bless its days. 

Here the pioneers met and prayed 
When all was yet a woodland wild, 

Here God his hand of blessing laid, 
And clearings soon in harvests smiled. 

Untroubled by the word's dire stress, 
Untrammeled by its chains of rust, 

Here fathers delved their homes to bless, 
Here sons fiilfilled their father's trust. 

In friendship knit with earth's kind heart, 
They trod the Avays of God with man: 

'Tis man with man in strife doth part 
The ways that God for man doth plan. 

This hamlet, once a meeting place 
For farmers near and woodmen far, 

Now silent lifts its plaintive face 
To unresponsive moon and star. 

Where gleams the sheen of mountain lake, 
On summer even's silvered crest, 

I walk the place where pilgrims take 

New heart from those this village blessed. 

In this God's acre poplar walled, 

Now sleep the souls who here aspired; 

The rest the siren world has called; 

Cold are the hearths their love once fired. 

Only in summer's transient days 
By human grace is this place dressed, 

When those who tired of cities' ways 
Come here to find sweet nature's rest. 



180 



'Tis then that mem'ry's sacred halls 

Are filled with scent of pine and balm, 
'Tis then its sons the village calls 

Its ne'er forgotten music's charm. 

Then once again the hills resound, 

And parted friends each other seek, 
And once again the country round 

Kenews its life in Old Home Week. 

But soon come's Autumn's burning brand 

To fire the maples gold and red. 
Then flaming hills light up the land 

Where only leaves their carpets spread. 

When winter lays its shrouding sheet 
O'er house and barn and lane and hill, 

And blazing logs Thanksgiving greet, 

And Christmas chimes its heart's good-will, 

The village shuts its wearied lids 
And snuggles close 'neath roofs of snow, 

Nor wakes again till Spring's sun bids 
The robins pipe and freshets flow. 

Then with the new year's promise seen 

In bud of leaf and greening mead, 
It chants the ancient Easter paean 

Of life renewed in buried seed. 

Dear village, thou my heart hast caught 

In web of nature's magic weave; 
I ask no higher wisdom's thought 

Than here from thee I may receive. 

'Tis when I breathe thy ambient airs. 

And commune with thy starred sky, 
'Tis then my mind high purpose wears, 

'Tis then my soul knows God is nigh. 

Teach me thy brave contentment's power. 

Thy joyous faith in God's sure care. 
To bring to fruit my spirit's flower, 

And fulfill my being's prayer. 

^TvMPi y Scott. 



181 



OLD HOME WEEK IX XELSOK 

1917. 

Sunday, August 12. 

11 A. M. Service in the Village Church. In Charge of Eev. M. F. 
Hardy, Pastor. 

4 p. M. Commemoration Service, on the site of the Old Church on 
the Town Common. In Charge of Eev. Dr. E. IST. Hardy. 



Tuesday, August 14. 



3 and 8 p. m. Meetings of the Nelson School Association, in the Town 
Hall. Granville Wardwell, Esq., President. 



Wednesday, August 15. 

10 A. M. Dedication of a Monument to the Memory of the Pioneer 
Settlers who had part in the War of the Eevolution. 
On the Old Town Common, now the Cemetery. 

12 JSToon. Basket Picnic Dinner. 

1 p. M. Patriotic Exercises, in Melville Woods. Under the Auspices 
of the Nelson Picnic Association. Eev. George L. Cady, 
D.D., President. 



182 



Celebration by the Town of 

NELSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 

Of the One Hundred nnd Fiftieth Anniversary of its first settlement. 

17GT-1917 

under the ausi)ices of the 

NELSON PICNIC ASSOCIATION, 

at thi'ir Tliirt.v-ninth Annual Gatlicring', 

August 15, 1917. 



Kinginff of Bells at Sunrise. 



Pkocram of Exercises on the 

DEDICATION OF A MONUMENT 

to the Memory of the Pioueer Settlers who had part in 

THE WAE OF THE REVOLUTION, 

1775-1783. 

On the Old Town Common, now the Cemetery, 

at 10 o'clock A. M. 



Cluiinnan of Reception Conunitteo Rev. Dr. E. N. Haiidv. 



MAE SEALS. 

y\n. .\i>Aii Phillii's Hardy, Chief, 
;Mr. Rali'h (liHsoN. \,ln. Roderick Stebbins, Jr., 

;Mr. Ralph Greex, .Mk. Francis Strithers, 

:N[r. John Priest, Mr. Parke Strutmers, 

Mr. Ri Fi s Priest. ;Mr. Gordon Tol.max, 

;Mr. Everett Wilder. 

Color Bearer Mr. James Van Brocklin. 



COM Mir TEE OX DECORATIONS. 
Miss Mary Priest, Chairman, 
Miss Marion Bassett. 2kli>>s ^Iahel Osgood, 

Miss Etiielvn Gi illow, .Miss Cuaria)Tte Phillips, 

Miss Christine Hardy, ^fiss Charlotte Strithehs. 

Miss Arlexe Keoi»;ii. .Nfiss Doris Tolman, 

Miss Biknice Keoi <.h. ^[iss Helen Tolman, 

Miss Gladys Iveolc;h. Miss Grace Towxe, 

Miss £unice Van Brocklin. 



188 



MUSIC. 

Keene City Band Mr. L. A. Bemis, Director. 

Nelson Cadet Fife and Drum Corps, 
Master Morton Bailey, Master Neil Tolman, 

Master Francis Tolman, Master Newton Tolman, 
Master Eodger Tolman. 

Them^"r/ie Spirit of '76". 

1. Concert. 

Keene City Band. 

(a) March, "Spirit of '76" BrooTcs. 

(6) Overture, "Drummer of the Guard" Titl. 

(c) Baritone Solo, Air Vare, "Old Kentucky Home" Masien. 

Mr. D. H. Marcon. 

(d) "War Songs of the Boys in Blue" Laurendeau. 

(e) "Cavalry Charge" Luders. 

2. Decoration of the Graves of Eevolutionary Soldiers. 

A procession of young people, forming at the Memorial Boulder, 
headed by the National Colors and the Fife and Drum Corps, will 
march through the Cemetery, decorating all known graves of Sol- 
diers of the Eevolution, and halt in front of the monument. 

3. Assembly Bugles. 

4. Prayer Eev. Elsworth W. Phillips. 

5. Welcome Eev. George Luther Cady, D.D. 

President of the Nelson Picnic Association. 

6. "The Old Town Common" Mr. Henry Melville. 

7. "Salute to Flag" By all the young people. 

"I pledge allegiance to my flag, and to the Eepublic for which 
it stands. One Nation indivisible with Liberty and Justice for 
all." 

8. Unveiling of Tablet. 

The bugles will play "Eetreat" and the band will follow with 
the "Star Spangled Banner" during which the flag covering the 
tablet will be lowered by the following committee: 
Master Eichard Ewins Master Edward Murdouuh, 

Master Herman Fisher, Master Hubert Priest, 

Master Floyd Keough, Master Eichard Upton. 

9. Dedication. 

Miss Elizabeth Griffin: 

"With these Oak Leaves^ symbol of Liberty, we dedicate this 
monument to the memory of those who held Liberty dearer than 
life." 
Miss Emma Brown: 

"With these bright Nasturtiums, symbol of Patriotism, we 
dedicate this monument to the memory of those whose lives so 
nobly exemplified true Patriotism." 

184 



Miss Miriam Hardy: 

"With these Poplar Branches, symbol of Courage, we deilicate 
this monument to the memory of those who with courage in heart 
and a sword in hand answered their countrj''s call." 

Miss Elsie Priest : 

"With these Clusters of Rudbeckia, symbol of Justice, we 
dedicate this monument to the memory of those who fought and 
bled that justice might endure." 

Miss Edith Osgood: 

"With these Larch Boughs, symbol of Boldness, we dedicate 
this monument to the memory of those who were bold to battle 
for their rights, even in the hour of seeming defeat." 

Miss Myra Van Brock lin: 

"With these Sprigs of Heliotrope, symbol of Devotiox, we dedi- 
cate this monument to the memory of those who gave their 
devotion in fullest measure to country and to home." 

Miss Margaret Conrad: 

"With these Branches of Elder, symbol of Zealousness, we dedi- 
cate this monument to tlie memory of those whose great zeal 
enabled them to conquer almost overwhelming obstacles." 

Miss Ruth Phillips : 

"With these Snow-Drops, symbol of Hope, we dedicate this 
monument to the memory of those to whom Hope was a guiding 
star through peril, toil and privation." 

Miss Mildred Hardy : 

"With these Laurel Leaves, symbol of Ambition, we dedicate 
this monument to the memory of those who in their high ambition 
laid the foundations of this great Republic." 

Miss Florence C.\dy: 

"With these fragrant Water-Lilies, symbol of Purity, we dedi- 
cate this monximent to the memory of those whose jJuriMiscs wen' 
pure, whose ideals were high." 

Miss Marguerite Page: 

"With these Willow Branches, symbol of Freedom, we dedicate 
this monument to the memory of those to whom we of today owe 
our precious heritage of freedom." 

Miss Mabel Gibson: 

"With these Sprays of Alyssum, symbol of Worth, we dedicate 
this monument to the memory of those behind whose plain dress 
and rough siKHX'h were intellects of true worth." 

Miss Lois Scott: 

"With these Cedar Boughs, symbol of Strength, we dedicate 
this monument to the memory of those who were as strong of heart 
and as strong of hand as are these granite hills tlmt cave tliem 
birth." 

185 



Miss Myra Hardy: 

"With these Clover Blossoms, symbol of Industry, we dedicate 
this mouument to the memory of those whose industry felled the 
forest, cleared the fields and laid the foundations of our town." 

10. Tribute of the Flags Mr. Noah Phillips Hardy. 

"We decorate their monument with the flag; symbol alike of 
their purpose and achievement and of our pledge that 'government 
of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from 
the earth'." 

The following school children will mass around and upon the 
monument the colors carried by them in the procession, viz : — 



Ernest Bridge 
Paul Chase 
Herman Fisher 
Malcolm Green 
Irene Guillow 
Albert Jackson 
Mary Iveough 
Edith Nordstrom 
J\Iargaret Phillips 
Hubert Priest 
Cecil Ryerson 
Isabel Eyerson 
Esther Towne 
Eichard Upton 



Helen Brown 
Gertie Converse 
Herold Flood 
Agnes Guillow 
Maurice Guillow 
Dorothy Iveough 
Peter Keough 
GusTAv Nordstrom 
Dorothy Priest 
James Priest 
Edward Eyerson 
Frederick Smith 
Frances Upton 
George Van Brocklin 
Leslie Wilber 



Elizabeth Cady 
Eichard Ewins 
Lillian Flood 
Christine Guillow 
Margaret Hart 
Floyd Keough 
Edward Murdough 
Ealph Page 
Helen Priest 
Theodore Priest 
Grace Eyerson 
Henry Stebbins 
Katherine Upton- 
Susan Van Brocklin 



11. A Tribute from Ashuelot Chapter, 

Daughters of the American Eevolution. 
By Officers and Delegates. 
The drum carried by Mr, John Chapman was in use during the 
Eevolution. 

12. A Tribute from Keene Chapter Sons of the American Eevolution. 

By Officers and Delegates. 
Hon. Charles Gale Shedd, Speaker. 



13. Eecessional Hymn- 



-Tune "Auld Lang Syne" Eev. M. F. Hardy. 

Mr. William W. Nye, accompanied by the Band, 
the entire Assembly joining in the chorus. 



"Oh God who winnowed nations wide 
A precious seed to gain; 
Who lured it o'er the stormy tide. 
Through danger, loss and pain. 
For blessings large bestowed. 

For blessings large. 
We lift our song of gratitude. 
For blessings large. 



186 



14. "Taps. 



We bless Thee tor those valiant iiien. 

Of stern and rugged mould ; 
Whose estimates of life were not 
In vanities and gold. 

For blessings large bestowed, 

For blessings large, 
We lift our song of gratitude, 
For blessings large. 

We bless Thee for their vision clear. 

Their love of truth and right; 
That in defense of these they dared 
To sacrifice and fight. 

For blessings large bestowed, 

For blessings large. 
We lift our song of gratitude. 
For blessings large. 

Accept our tribute to their worth. 

And guard their resting place; 
And make us share their heritage, 
Of service and of grace. 
For all thy grace bestowed, 

For all thy grace, 
We'll lift our song of gratitude. 
For all thy grace." 



18< 



BASKET PICNIC DINNER. 

In Melville Woods and such other spots as individuals may choose on 
account of Old Home or other associations. 

Note. — For over Seventy years the people of the Town had a basket picnic 
dinner on the Old Town Common every Sunday during the intermission 
between the religious services. 

AFTERNOOX EXERCISES 

In Melville Woods, at 1:00 o'clock. 

Theme — "The Spirit of '76" as developed into the Spirit of 1917. 

War Message op April 2, 1917. 

"There are, it may be, many months of fiery trial and sacrifice ahead of 
us. It is a fearful thing to lead this great and peaceful people into war, into 
the most terrible and disastrous of all wars. Civilization itself seems to be 
in the balance, but right is more precious than peace, and we shall figlit for 
the things that we have always carried nearest our hearts, for democracy, for 
the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own 
government, for the rights and liberties of small nations, for the universal 
dominion of right by such a concert of free peoples as will bring peace and 
safety to all nations and make the world itself at last free. To such a task 
we can dedicate our lives, our fortunes, everything we are, everything we 
have, with the pride of those who know the day has come when America is 
privileged to spend her blood and might for the principles that gave her 
birth, and the happiness and peace which she has treasured. God helping 
her, she can do no other." 

WooDROw Wilson. 

1. Concert. 

Keene City Band. 

(a) "Our Country" LinJce. 

(&) Overture, "The Despatch" : Kela Beta. 

(c) Cornet Solo. 

Mr. L. a. Bemis. 

{d) Selection, "Songs from the Old Folks" Lake. 

(e) Description, "Guard Mount" R. Eilenberg. 

if) Group of Songs— "Tipperary", "Marseillaise", "Dixie", "Star 
Spangled Banner". 

2. Assembly Bugles. 

3. Prayer Rev. Roderick Stebbins. 

4. Opening Address Rev. George Luther Cady, D.D. 

President of the Association. 

5. "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" Julm Ward Howe. 

Mr. William W. Nye, accompanied by the Band, the entire 
Assembly joining in the chorus: 

188 



Mine eyes liave seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; 
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; 
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword; 
His truth is marching on. 

Chorus. 
Glory! Glory Hallelujah I 
Glory 1 Glory Hallelujah! 
Glory! Glory Hallelujah! 
His truth is nnirching on. 
I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; 
They have builded him an altar in the evening dews and damps; 
I can read his righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps, 
His day is marching on. 

Choinis. 
His day is marching on. 
I have read a fiery gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel; 
As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal ; 
Let the hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel; 
Since God is marching on. 

CJionis. 
Since God is marching on. 
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat, 
He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment-seat; 
Oh! be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant my feet! 
Our God is marching on. 

Chorus. 
Our God is marching on. 
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea; 
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me: 
As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free; 
While God is marching on. 

Chorus. 
Wliile God is marching on. 

Address Hon. Hknry W. Kevbs, 

Governor of New Hampshiri'. 

"The State ok New HAiirsniRE — As in 1775 she furnished 
two-thirds of the patriots on the firing line at Bunker Hill, and in 
1776, her delegate, Josiah Bartlett, in the Continental Congress, 
cast the first vote for the Declaration of Independence and signed 
first after John Hancock, and as in 1777 her yeomen turned back 
the tide of Invasion at Bennington, so, in the i)resent crisis, she 
will do all in her ix)wer to maintain and make safe the principles 
of Democracy which the fathers founded." 

180 



7. Eecitations Miss Freda Scott 

(a) Wake Up ! Wake Up, America ! .^ Temple Scott. 

"Wake up, wake up, America ! 
Sons of Lexington, wake! 
Base kings are wading in passion's mire, 
Eank tyrants are big with Hell's desire, 
Your honor is at stake. 

Wake up, wake up, America! 

Rise from your quicksand bed. 
Cast aside the cloak of gold's base lie. 
Put on the armor of impulse high, 

Resolved, by God's love led. 

Wake up, wake up, America! 

Hark to the thunder sound! 
'Tis the cannon's chant of Freedom's song — 
Right's pealing anthem against Might's wrong, 

From France's sacred ground. 

Wake up, wake up, America! 

The despot dares his word: 
'Dominion or Death', his outlaw cry. 
Fling back in his teeth your scorn's reply: 

'Death to the Vandal herd!' 

Wake up, wake up, America! 

Once more embattled stand. 
Our captain's message is calling wide; 
Sons of our fathers, rise in their pride, 

Follow the old command. 

Wake up, wake up, America! 

So shall the day soon break, 
When the flag of peace shall tl^y the breeze, 
O'er every land and the free high seas. 

And man his glory make." 

(&) Fight as Your Grakdsires Fought ! Temple Scott. 

"Why are you hiding, you men of the towns? 
Why do you skulk in your dens? 
Are you content to sell life for mere crowns, 

And scratch out your souls with pens? 
Shall markers and money dry up your hearts? 

Shall Country and Freedom mean nought? 
God helps those alone who play their brave parts 
And fight as their grandsires fought. 

The bugle's clear call resounds through the land, 

For free men, true, staunch and brave, 
'Tis the call for redemption; stay not your hand, 

God's children have souls to save. 

190 



Democracy's children in New World and Old, 

United shall live by Liberty tan^ht, 
And the tale in the days to conic shall be told, 

Of the fight their grandsires fought. 

Come from your borders, bold hearts of the States, 

Raise Liberty's flag in the dawn. 
Come from your hillsides, your marts, and your gates, 

For now is a new day born. 
Earth is aflame with base passion's desire, 

Consuming all souls by tyranny caught: 
Bo swift to enlist, oh, ye men who aspire 

To fight as your grandsires fought. 

Black horror 'gainst Belgium has veil'd God's face 

In shame, by perfidy made; 
The sweet light of life has gone from their place, 

And France in ruin is laid. 
Oh, sons of the light, dare ye stay at the sight, 

Remembering the deeds your forefathers wrought '^ 
Unsheathe the bright sword that of old struck for riglit. 

And fight as your grandsires fought. 

Stop not for word of command to arrive. 

Free men in honor are born; 
Honor conunands you for honor to strive, 

Holding all dangers in scorn. 
Old Glory's your flag, and freedom the prize. 

Healing all hearts with God's spirit fraught; 
And the light of His truth shall shine in your eyes, 

When you fight as your grandsires fought." 

8. Address Prok. Edwik J. Barti.ktt, 

of Dartmouth College. 
"Education — for War. during War. and for honorable and lasting Peace." 

9. "The Marseillaise" 'Sin. Wim.iam W. Xm;. 

10. Address Du. Jkan Charlemagne Bracq. 

"From La Fayette and Washington to Pershing and Joffre." 

11. America Samuel Francis Smith. 

By the Entire Assembly. 

"My country, 'tis of thee. 
Sweet land of liberty. 

Of thee I sing; 
Land where my fathers ditnl. 
Land of the pilgrims pride. 
From every mountain side 

Let freedom ring. 

101 



My native country, thee, 
Land of the noble free, 

Thy name I love; 
I love thy rocks and rills, 
Thy woods and templed hills; 
My heart with rapture thrills 

Like that above. 

Let music swell the breeze. 
And ring from all the trees 

Sweet freedom's song ; 
Let mortal tongues awake, 
Let all that breathe partake. 
Let rocks their silence break— 

The sound prolong. 

Our fathers' God, to Thee, 
Author of liberty, 

To Thee we sing; 
Long may our land be bright 
With freedom's holy light; 
Protect us by thy might, 
Great God, our King." 



192 



The Kveiiing Post Job Printing Onici 
156 Fulton St., N. Y. 
5279T 



^amcs aub ^luiiices 



Of those, born or sometime resident in Nelson, New Hampshire, 
who, as Volunteers, answered the call to arms for the 
preservation of the Union, — "that this Nation, 
under God, shall have a new birth of free- 
dom, and that government of the 
people, by the people, for the 
people, shall not perish 
from the earth." 

♦ ♦ 18131—1865 ♦♦ 

Together with Program of Exercises on the 
Dedication of a Tablet, inscribed to their 
memory, celebrating the fiftieth anniversary 
of the close of the war, under the auspices of the 

^clsan picnic Assnriatinu 

at their Thirty-Seventh Annual Gathering 
AUGUST 18. IP 15 



OFFICERS 

of the NELSON, N. H., PICNIC ASSOCIATION 

1915 



PRESIDENT Mr. William Wallace Dunn 

VICE-PRESIDENT Dr. Seneca Egbert 

SECRETARY Rev. Millard F. Hardy 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 
Mr. Fred M. Murdough 
Mr. Wayland P. Tolman 
I Mh. Frank E. Upton 



MEMORIAL COMMITTEE 



Mrs. T. W. Barker 
Mb. Fred M, Brown 
Mr. Albert W. Cram 
Mr. William W. Dunn 

President of Association 
Mrs. Sumner P. Fisher 
Mr. Fred A. Fisher 
Mrs. Frank P. Gibson 
Mr. Charles L. Griffin 
Dr. E. N. Hardy 
Rev. M. F. Hardy 
Miss H. Jennie Holt 



Mu. Henry Melville 

Chairman of Committee 
Mrs. Delia H. Osgood 

Secretary of Committee 
Miss J]ditii H. Osgood 
Miss Sarah E. Osgood 
Miss Susie H. Stevens 
Mr. Robert E. Tolman 
Mr. Wayland P. Tolman 
Mr. Horace O. Upton 
Mrs'. Frank P. Wilson 



SELECTMEN OF NELSON 
Mr. Thaddeus W. Barker 
Mr. Wilmer C. Tolman 
Mr. Fred M. Murdough 



'iSV L^j^ 'AO_1vi. 



r" 

liil'' fill LVidHJi. -^Cix V.v'i LM£OlM_IL ■v'-\ n; biCl' LHilllSli ' 




^ulbicrs a^^ satiinurs uf ii]c hnmfs tuc Inbc; 

I^crocs nnh patrinta (iil|a marcl]c& al»ay, 
^nb lul|0 marcl]cb bark, anb lului mitrcl]cb on almlic, — 

JMI— all arc here tobau! 

•^ 1^ ^ 

Jbnt as a fatcfxtl tempest subben loosch 

Ppoit our senses, so our thonc^Iits are blolun 
^ark lul|erc (Elie .^^-olbier hattleb, nor refused 

^ gra^e all nameless in a clime nnknoftm, — 
■Qllic ^olbier — tliouglt, perchance, Inorn, olb, m\b gray; 

t!II]C ^olbier — tljougli, percl|ance, tl|c merest lab, — 
tThe ^'olbier- thongh he gade his life aluaii, 

^Hearing the shout of "Victory," luas glab ; 

^ .< ^ 

nihe :§*ol^ier of our plau^its, fkiluers anb tears, — 

(D this nunuorial of bronze anb stone, — 
J^is kitie shall outlast this a thonsaub uears ! 

JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY 



"(Lis iCife, not Death, lue relehrate. 
(To llife, not Death, lue bebirate 
(This storieb hronze. 

THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH 



NELSON'S PLEDGE. 

From the New Hampshire Sentinel for May 2, 1861. 

Nelson. 

At a few hours' notice a large number of the legal voters and Union loving 
citizens of Nelson (without respect to party differences), met in the Town 
Hall of said town on Tuesday, April 23rd, at 5 o'clock p. m. and organized 
by choosing Oilman Griffin, President, and Charles H. Whitney, Secretary, 
and, on motion, a committee consisting of George G. Hardy, Lewis J. Colony 
and Frederick Taylor, were chosen to prepare resolutions for the consideration 
of the meeting, who made the following report; which, after due consideration 
and discussion, was unanimously adopted : 

Whereas a part of the states of the Union have joined in an insurrection 
and intend to overthrow our present Government, and either to take or destroy 
our national capitol; in view of these difficulties, and in proteelioii of our 
Government property and to sustain the honor of our policy, be it: 

Resolved, that, in the present exigency of our country's history, it is proper 
that we set aside all past political differences and feeling and unite as one 
man to sustain the Constitution, the Executive authorities, and enforce the 
laws of the land. 

Resolved, that, as New Hampshire has responded to the call of the 
Executive in the enrollment of one regiment of Militia to be called into 
immediate service, we, the people of Nelson, stand ready to furnish our 
full quota of troops to such further call as may be made upon us by the 
Executive. 

Resolved, that, we pledge ourselves to render such support to the families 
of those persons so called into service as shall be necessary and proper for 
their support. 

Resolved, that, we now pledge ourselves to pay to those who may enroll 
themselves in such organization the sum of $1.75 for every day spent in 
active Military Drill, and -will furnish to those who may be called to actual 
service, all needful things for their outfit and depai-ture. 

L. J. Colony, F. Taylor and G. G. Hardy were chosen a comniittee to see 
that every soldier before he goes into actual service is furnished with need- 
ful outfit. 

Voted that these resolutions and proceedings of this meeting be presented 
to the Neiv Hampshire Sentinel and Cheshire Republican for publication. 

Oilman Griffin, Pres. 
CiiAS. H. Whitney, Secy. 
Nelson, Apr. 24, 1861. 



NAMES AND SERVICES 

of Ihosc horn or sometime resident in Nelson, New Hamp- 
shire, who, (IS Volunteers, answered the call to arms 
for (he preservation of the Union. 
ISCl— 18G5 



SYLVESTER C. ABBOTT 

Sixth Kegiinent New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; 
enlisted November 10, ISGl; mustered in November 28, 
1861; died of disease February ;J, 1862, at Ilatteras Inlet, 
N. C. Born in Nelson. 

.MILAN W. ATWOOD 

Eighteenth Keginient New Hampshire Infantry, Company F; 
mustered in September 27, 1864; appointed Corporal; mus- 
tered out June 10, 1865; died of disease in hospital at 
Georgetown, D. ('., June 15, 1865. Born in Nelson. 

RUFUS ATWOOD 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company A; 
enlisted May 22, 1861; mustered in May 31, 1861, as Cor- 
poral; promoted Sergeant; died in service of disease Janu- 
ary 2;}, 1864. Previously enlisted in State Service April 
25, 1861, intending to join First Regiment f<ir yO days, but 
was never mustered in. Born in Nelson. 

VARANES C. ATWOOD 

Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted August 6, 1.S62; mustered in August 13, 1862; ap- 
pointe<l Corporal ; discharged for disability October 30, 1862. 
Born in Nelson, 

JOHN BAHAN 

P'ourtecnth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company 
(}; enlisted August 12. 1862; mustered in September 23, 1862; 
transferrin! to (^ompany B, Veteran Reserve Con'S, January 
10. 1S6.''.; muster.Nl out July 29, 1865. Enlisted from Nelson. 

MARcrs M. BAILEY 

Lafayette. New Hampshire. Artillery; mustered in August 
1, 1864, an nuisieinn; mustered out Septeml>or 23. 1864. A 
resident of Nelson, after the war. for many years. 



On the 1st of August, 1864, in pursuance of instructions from Major- 
General John A. Dix, Commanding the Department of the East, dated June 
30, 1864, this organization, forming part of the State Militia, was mustered 
into the service of the United States for the period of 90 days, and sent to 
Fort Constitution. On the 23d day of September, 1864, it was mustered out 
of the United States Service. Each member was a Volunteer regularly 
enlisted. 

FRANK BAKER 

Forty-ninth New York Infantry, Company H; enlisted at 
Lockport, N. Y., August 15, 1861; mustered in as Corporal 
August 31, 1861; promoted Sergeant March 30, 1863; 
captured in action October 10, 1863, at Cedar Mountain, 
Va.; imprisoned at Libby Prison, Richmond, Va., and after- 
wards at Salisbury, N. C, where he nearly died of starva- 
tion, and was reduced in weight to less than one hundred 
pounds; paroled March 21, 1864; mustered out October 10, 
1864, at Buffalo, N. Y. Born in Nelson. 

Baker was a man of unusual physical vigor, and at the breaking out of the 
war was in Canada working for the Hudson Bay Company. When he heard 
of it he made his way back to the most convenient point of the United States, 
which accounted for his enlistment at Lockport. 

After his capture, when put with other prisoners in a freight car for 
transportation to Richmond, he jumped off, escaped and was in the "bush" two 
weeks before he was captured again by a patrol. The next night, as they 
camped, he broke away again, but, owing to his enfeebled condition, did not 
succeed in long evading pursuit. For this reason his confinement was un- 
usually rigorous. 

When finally paroled he was sent, with thousands of others, to Annapolis, 
Md., where his friend and schoolmate in Nelson, John Osgood, ran across him 
in April, 1864. Though before they met. Baker had been bathed, clothed and 
as he expressed it, "fattened up" for two weeks, Osgood says that he was still 
the worst looking human being he ever saw alive. How he looked on his 
arrival may be judged from a statement of Robert R. Corson, State Agent, 
published in the Report of the Adjutant-General of Maine, 1864-65, at page 
97, in part as follows : "Although long accustomed to the terrible scenes which 
are the necessary results of terrible battles ; familiar as I am with the ghastly 
spectacles which cover every field of conflict; acquainted with human suffer- 
ing in a thousand dreadful forms, I confess that I was not prepared for the 
terrible sight which I witnessed on the wharves and hospitals of Annapolis. 
Here, day after day, these floating charnel-houses poured forth their contents. 
Men emaciated, hunger stricken, worn away to skeletons by disease and 
starvation, trooped out from the ships in vast numbers until the heart 
sickened at the fearful scene of human misery here presented. No pen can 
depict the awfulness of the scene, much less overdraw it. Here were human 
beings, men made in God's own image, so worn out and wasted by disease 
and want that they were unable to move their limbs; covered with filth, their 
bodies alive with vermin; with gaping wounds that had never been cleansed 
or dressed, filled with maggots; fairly eaten up alive, sometimes with these 



festering sores covering the whole of one limb; with pallid, sunken cheeks, 
the skin dnnvu tightly over the bones * * * maimed, distorted, half rotten, 
unable to speak, or mumbling inarticulate words of senseless import ♦ * ♦ 
After landing they died by scores. To many it was but a blessed relief from 
intolerable agony, from misery that no tongue can ever tell. I have seen from 
40 to 50 bodies in the dead house at one time, and on another occasion I 
attended the funeral of 43 who had died in two days. At another time 65 were 
buried at once," etc., etc. 

G. WASHINGTON BANCROFT 

Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted October t), 1862; mustered in November '.>, 1862; died 
in the service of disease at Vickaburg, Miss., August 9, 1863. 
Born in Nelson. See also under Charles A. Tarbox. 

JUSTIN D. BARKER 

Fifth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company I; mus 
tered in September 16, 1862; discharged on expiration of term 
of service, July 2, 1863. Born in Nelson. 

THADDEUS ANGELO BARKER 

Twenty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company 
I; mustered in as musician September 30, 1861; re-enlisted 
January 5, 1864; wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness; 
discharged for disability Januarj- 17, 1865. Bom in Nelson. 

His wound was a severe one, shattering his right hand, and he was ordered 
to the amputation table. He, however, did not go, but lay beside a brook, 
keeping his hand in the water all night and finally retained it, but it was 
never of much use, and later he was pensioned on the same basis as if he 
had lost it. 

THADDEUS LISCOMB BARKER 

Thirty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry; mustered in 
as Captain of Company — , August 19, 1862; i)romoted Major 
May 6, 1864; promoted Lieutenant-Colonel October 12, 1864; 
promoted Colonel November 13, 1864; mustered out June 8, 
1865. Born in Nelson. 

ALFRED E. BARROWS 

Eighteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company 
G; enlisted January 27, 1865; mustered out July 29, 1865. 
A resident of Nelson after the war. 

ANDREW JACKSON BEAL 

Ninth Regiment Vermont Infantry, Company D; enlisted 
June 18, 1862; mustered in July 9, 1862; captured by the 
enemy at Harpers Ferry, Va.. September 15, 1862; appointed 
Corporal January 23, 1865; mustered out June 13, 1865. 

He ran awny from his home in Ilarrisville and enlisted when under mili- 
tary age. A r<-sident of Nelson, after the war, for nuuiy years. 



DANIEL O. BEVERSTOCK 

Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G ; 
enlisted September 13, 1862; mustered in October 25, 1862; 
mustered out August 20, 1863; re-enlisted as Sergeant in 
Company F, Eighteenth New Hampshire Infantry, September 
27, 1864; mustered out June 10, 1865. Enlisted from Nelson. 
See also under Charles A. Tarbox. 

HENRY J. BISSELL (enlisted as Knowlton). 

Eighteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company I'; 
mustered in September 27, 1864; mustered out June 10, 1865. 
Enlisted from Nelson. 

SILAS L. BLACK 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company A; 
enlisted September 6, 1861; mustered in September 17, 1861; 
died of disease at Budds Ferry, Md., December 20, 1861. Born 
in Nelson. See Charles A. Howard. 

ELLIOT J. BLODGETT 

Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; en- 
listed October 21, 1861; mustered in November 28, 1861; 
wounded May 6, 1864 at the Battle of the Wilderness, Va. ; 
died of wounds May 30, 1864, at Washington, D. C. Enlisted 
from Nelson. 

HENRY L. BLODGETT 

Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; en- 
listed November 9, 1861; mustered in November 28, 1861; 
mustered out November 28, 1864. Enlisted from Nelson. 

SYLVESTER BLODGETT 

Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted August 30, 1862; mustered in September 23, 1862; 
discharged for disability September 16, 1863. Born in Nelson. 

BENJAMIN W. BREED 

First Regiment New England Cavalry, Company I; enlisted 
November 4, 1861; mustered in December 17, 1861; wounded 
severely May 30, 1862, at Front Royal, Va. ; discharged for 
disability November 3, 1862, at Alexandria, Va. Enlisted in 
Sixteenth Company, Second Battalion, Veteran Reser\^e Corps ; 
mustered in December 11, 1863; discharged for disability 
August 14, 1865, at Washington, D, C. Born in Nelson. 

JOHN NEWTON BREED 

Fifth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company K; enlisted 
April 19, 1861 ; mustered in as musician May 1, 1861 ; mustered 
out July 31, 1861; re-enlisted in the Thirty-second Regiment 
Massachusetts Infantry, Company I, July 17, 1862; mustered 
in as Sergeant August 11, 1862; re-enlisted in same company 

8 



and regrimout January 5, 1864; mustored out as musician 
June 29, 1865, Born in Nelson. 

A brother of Henjaniiii W. Iirfe<I; nuitcrnal uncle of Kdwanl H. and 
Marquis L. Holt. 

SAMUEL OSCAR BROWN 

Ninth Koffinient New Hampshire Infantry, Company 0; en- 
listed Augrust 5, 1862; mustered in August 13, 1862; mustered 
out June 10, 1865. A resident of Nelson, after the war, for 
many years. 

He was one of the original nieinhers of th<' regiment and his service cov- 
en'd its entire jx^riod of enlistment. lie was present during most of the cam- 
paigns, but is said to have btvn sick in Mississippi, and in tlie summer of 
1864 to have been absent for a time in hospital and on furlough; the exact 
dates, however, have not been ascertained. 

THOMAS BURNS 

Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted and mustered in December 8, 1863; mustered out 
July S, 1S()5. A resident of Nelson after the war. 

ALBERT A. BUXTON 

Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted November 11, 1862; mustered in November 13, 1862; 
mustered out August 20, 1863. Bom in Nelson. 

GEORGE W. BUXTON 

Second Regiment Massachusetts Infantry-, Company A; 
musten>l in May 25, 1861; appointed Corporal; kille<l at 
Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9. 1862. Bom in Nelson. 

FALLS IL CASTONE 

Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry. Company E; en- 
H8te<l November 18, 1861; mustere<l in November 28, 1861; 
mustere<l out November 27, 1864. Enliste<l from Nelson. 

He is thus described by his friend Olin N. Wardwell: "This little soldier 
Castr.ne was something remarkable. He was born in Patagonia, his father 
being a Spaniard and his mother a native Patflg«inian. He was the color of 
a midatto, weighe<l 140 lbs. and was very short. He stated that he was 
taken from Patagonia to Maine by a sea captain when he thought himself to 
be about seven or eight years old, and in wandering alK>ut this country he 
finally reache<l Marlboro and Nelson. He was the quickest motione<l human 
being I ever knew. 1 used to think he could discount chain lightning. Ue 
was not ver>' strong, but could knock men down as fast as they came to him 
till he had them in a pile. He was conscientious, true hearted, loyal and 
religious. I went to Keene with him when he enlisted, and wo had to go 
to the old fairground, two mil»*n wi'st of the square, where the Sixth was in 
camp. an<l Simon CJ. Griffin was drilling the volunteers with fr<»m two to six 
inches of snow for a can>et. His was a tine voice and figure!" 



ALBERT CRAM 

Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company I; 
enlisted September 1, 1862; mustered in October 23, 1862; 
mustered out August 20, 1863; re-enlisted in Ninth Regiment 
New Hampshire Infantry, Company I; mustered in July 1, 
1864; transferred to Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, 
Company I, June 1, 1865; mustered out July 17, 1865. A 
resident of Nelson, after the war, for many years. 

He joined the Ninth Regiment before Petersburg in July, 1864, soon 
after the siege began. The next nine months were practically a continuous 
battle. As a regular thing every alternate two days were spent in the 
trenches exposed to constant picket firing, and the other two in a camp so 
near as to receive almost daily a greater or less number of missiles which in 
the aggregate inflicted heavy losses. He is reported to have done practically 
continuous duty, and to have taken part in the battles of the "Mine," Welden 
Railroad, Poplar Spring Church and Hatchers Run, and several arduous 
marches. 

For account of the battle of the "Mine" see William B. Robbins. 

GEORGE W. CUMMINGS 

First Regiment New Hampshire Cavalry, Company G; en- 
listed August 9, 1864; mustered in August 9, 1864; appointed 
First Sergeant; commissioned Second Lieutenant June 10, 
1865; mustered out July 15, 1865. Born in Nelson. 

JOHN A. CUMMINGS 

Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; en- 
listed September 23, 1861; appointed First Lieutenant No- 
vember 30, 1861; appointed Captain April 23, 1862; appointed 
Major First New Hampshire Cavalry March 19, 1864; 
mustered in July 19, 1864; mustered out July 15, 1865. A 
resident of Nelson before the war. 

EDWIN L. DAVIS 

Thirteenth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company D; 
mustered in July 16, 1861; appointed Corporal; transferred 
to Sixth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps. Born in Nelson. 

EDWIN T. DAVIS 

Eighteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company 
F; enlisted September 27, 1861; mustered in September 27, 
1864; mustered out June 10, 1865. Born in Nelson. 

CALVIN K. DAY 

Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company 
G; enlisted August 27, 1862; mustered in September 23, 1862; 
appointed Corporal October 6, 1862; mustered out July 8, 
1865. Born in Nelson. 

10 



JOSEPH N. DAY 

Thirty-fourtli Massachusetts Infantry, ('ompany II; enlisted 
January 1, 1864; mustered in January 4, 1864; transferred 
June 4, 1864, to Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry, Com- 
pany (J; mustered out July 25, 1865. A resident of Nelson 
before the war for many years. 

He took part in the various engagements of Hunter's raid in the Shen- 
andoah Valley in the Spring of 1S64, including the battles of Piedmont and 
Lynchburg, and later, muler Sheridan, in the battle of Winchester, Septenilx-r 
19, 1864, the first of the brilliant series of victories that drove the rebels 
from the valley. In the battle last named he was severely wounded, which 
lat^r caused him to be placed on the rolls of the Veteran Reserve Corps. 

GRANVILLE S. DERBY 

Sixteenth Regiment Vermont Infantry, Company K; enlisted 
August 21, 1862; in Battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 2, 3, 1863, 
and took part in final charge that drove the enemy from the 
field; honorably discharged August 10, 1863. Bom in Nelson. 

Gettysburg was not only the greatest battle of the war, but it marked the 
high tide of the Rebellion. It was Derby's privilege to assist in the turning 
of the tide. On July 3d the confederates, under Pickett, charged in mass 
against the L'nion centre. The lines met in hand to hand fighting, and for a 
time there was great doubt which would prevail. Just at the left of the 
portion of the Union line which was engaged were stationed the Thirteenth 
and Sixteenth Vennont regiments, part of Stannard's brigade. At the critical 
moment they changed front, swung arouTid and attacked the enemy in flank 
and rear. This was just enough to turn the scale. In "Vermont in the 
Civil War,'' by G. G, Benedict, at page 469, what followed is thus described: 
"The advance of the Sixteenth, after its change of front, took it across the 
line of march of part of Pickett's division and over ground covered with 
confederate dead and wounded, but the men had eyes only for what was 
before them. Soon they opened a savage fire. The front of the two regi- 
ments was hardly a dozen rods from tlie enemy's flank, and they advanced 
while firing so that the distance was considerably lessened. At this short 
range the Thirteenth fired 10 or 12 rounds, and the Sixteenth perhaps half 
that number, into a mass of men on which every bullet took effect, and 
many doubtless found two or three victims. The effect upon the confederate 
mass was instJintflneous. Its progress ceased. For a few moments the gray 
lines crowded together, falling meanwhile like wheat before the reaper; then, 
breaking in a disorderly mob, they fled in all directions. On their right and 
center the larger portion dropped their arms and rushed within our lines as 
prisoners. Their dead and wounded and small arms by thousands strewed 
the ground over which they charged." 

JOHN T. FARWELL 

FourtiM?nth New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; enlisted 
August 21, 1862; mustered in September 23. 1862; mustered 
out July 8, 1863. A resident of Nelson both before and after 
the war. 

11 



With his regiment he did picket and provost pruard duty about the defenses 
of Washington for about a year and a half, and then, in March, 1864, went to 
Louisiana, where he was stationed at various places along the Mississippi, 
among others at Carrollton, Camp Parapet, Jefferson City, Pass Manchac and 
Morganzia. In July he returned to Virginia, and aft^r several minor engage- 
ments marched with Sheridan's Army into the Shenandoah Valley and took 
part in three memorable battles, viz.: Opequam (Winchester), September 19; 
Fisher's Hill, September 22, and Cedar Creek, October 19. In January, 1865, 
the regiment went to Savannah, Georgia, arriving just as Sherman's Army 
left, and he remained in that vicinity until discharged. 

MILES FARWELL 

Sixty-first Regiment Massachusetts Infantry; appointed 
Quartermaster September 22, 1864; mustered in September 
24, 1864; transferred to Company D as First Lieutenant and 
afterwards to Company E; mustered out June 4, 1865. Born 
in Nelson. 

JAMES W. FELT 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company A; 
enlisted September 6, 1861 ; mustered in September 17, 1861 ; 
appointed Corporal December 1, 1863; re-enlisted January 1, 
1864; appointed First Lieutenant Company G May 20, 1865; 
mustered out December 19, 1865. A resident of Nelson before 
the war. 

He took part in e\'cry engagement in which his company was concerned, 
and was never wounded nor seriously ill. 

SUMNER P. FISHER 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company B; 
enlisted September 2, 1861; mustered in September 9, 1861; 
captured in Peninsula campaign and for about six weeks a 
prisoner at Belle Isle; severely wounded in the leg June 3, 
1864, at Battle of Cold Harbor; mustered out September 9, 
1864; was still on crutches at the time of his discharge. 
Previous to the foregoing U. S. Service he volunteered in 
State Service April 27, 1861, and was discharged by order of 
the Governor June 10, 1861. Born in Nelson. See Charles 
A. Howard. 

HENRY C. FLAGG 

Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted December 6, 1861 ; mustered in December 7, 1861 ; 
wounded and taken prisoner at Second Bull Run, Virginia, 
August 29, 1862; on release honorably discharged at Wash- 
ington, D. C, December 23, 1862. Enlisted from Nelson. 

JEREMIAH FOSTER 

Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted September 12, 1862; mustered in October 24, 1862; 
mustered out August 20, 1863. Enlisted from Nelson. 

12 



He was the father of J. Frank Foster and one of the most ardent patriots 
in town. Tliouph ov<>r niilitarj- hk*', with a son aln-ady in the sen-ice, he 
enlisted as an example to the younger men. See Charles A. Tarbox. 

JERKMIAII F. FOSTER (known as J. Frank Foster). 

Ninth Repiment New Hampshire Infantry. Company I; en- 
listcnl AufeMist 11, 1862; mustered in August 15, 18G2; taken 
I)risoner at Poplar Spring Church S<'ptcnil»er :{0, 18G4; paroled 
October 7, 18(54; must<>red out May .'JO. ISdn. Knlisted from 
Nelson. 

A son of Jeremiah Foster. He was in the batth-s of South Mountain, 
Antietam, Fre«lericksburg, VVildernes*!, Spottsylvania, Bcthesda Church, Cold 
Harbor, The Mine, Welden Railroad and Popular Grove Church. In the last 
he was captured and thus describes the event in the History of his Regiment, 
page 626: 

"We all rememl)er that Iwautiful day. S4'ptcmber :50th, l>st;4. the day we 
undertook to capture the Welden Railroad. We charged the rebel works 
and were driven back. As we were falling back Sergeant Partridge, of Com- 
pany I, was w<ninded, and as I was near by I took hold of him to give him a 
lift and while doing this was stopped by an otficer who was tr>'ing to rally 
the men. During this time the rebels were advancing and the bullets were 
flying nearer than was comfortable. I covered myself the best I could in an 
angle of a fence, but before I was aware of it the rebels were upon us and I 
was captured with a lot of others. Their first salutation was: 'Give me your 

pocketbook, you Yankee !' Another rebel took my new hat and put his 

old one, which was alive with vermin, on my head. But the rebels soon fell 
back with their prisoners, for they were glad to get away from our bullets. 
In passing the buildings on the Pegram farm a comrade named Edson, who 
had been wounded, called to me and I left the lines to speak to him. This 
incident undoubtedly saved my life, as I remained witli the wounded until 
the next Sunday when they took us in ambulances and carried us through 
Petersburg, across the river to a hospital. All this time nothing had been 
done for the wounded excejjt what I did. A number of the men died and 
wore immetliately 8tripi)ed of their clothing and tlie rebels put it on. Next 
day they took us on flat ears to Richmond, and as we crosse<l the James river 
we could look down upon Belle Isle and see the prisoners there. We then 
exi>ected to join them, but on arriving in Richmond those who could not walk 
were taken in ambulances an<l carrier! to a hospital and the rest of us walked. 
Those of us not wounded were detailed as nurses. On October 8th some of 
us were exchanged. We steametl down the river by Fort Darling and the 
poor starvi^l eiimrades felt as though new life was put into them; but some 
of these skeletons never reachc«l ImnH' alivi-." Scm- Willinni I! Ilobbins. 

CHARLES F. (ilBSON 

Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company K ; en- 
liste<l October 19, 1861; mustered in November 28, 1861; 
wounded at Fn.'tlericksburg, Virginia, Dec<'mber i:J, 1862; 
transfcrnvl to 14fltl) (\impnny Invalid Cori)s January 26, 
]^iU\ honorably di>.chjirgi(l January IT.. ]si\:,. H..ru in Nelson. 

i:: 



His comrades say that Gibson had as much "sand" as any one in the 
regiment, though he was about the smallest in stature. Owing to the short- 
ness of his legs and the fact that he was troubled with asthma, he sometimes 
had difficulty in keeping pace with the others, and at Fredericksburg this 
led to an interesting experience. On that terrible thirteenth of December, 
1862, when Burnside crossed the river and lost nearly thirteen thousand men 
trying in vain to capture the entrenched heights, the Sixth took a gallant 
part and went as far as any one. As it climbed the hill, swept by musket 
fire and with massed artillery sending shells plunging through the ranks, men 
were falling right and left, and among others Gibson was seen to drop. Those 
near him thought he was hit and that that was the last they would ever see 
of him. The others pressed on and went almost to the top, till flesh and blood 
could stand it no longer and they had to fall on their faces. A while after- 
wards who should arrive but Gibson, walking along quite leisurely. Instead 
of being shot he had simply tarried behind until he could recover his wind. 
^'Well, you see I'm here," he casually remarked and, instead of joining his 
friends on the ground, stood up all alone, coolly loading and firing. In re- 
sponse to a shout "For God's sake get down, you'll be killed!" he said, "I've 
got to die sometime," and kept on. As half-faced to the rear he was talking 
and at the same time ramming down another charge, a bullet clipped off a 
portion of his nose and upper lip. The peculiar thing about it was that the 
bullet did not come from the enemy, but from a green regiment being brought 
up behind in support, which had let off a nervous volley. Gibson at all times 
was gifted in his vocabulary, but then he ovitdid even himself, and the his- 
toric army that swore so terribly in Flanders could have given him no points. 
There was some doubt whether his indignation was greater at those behind 
or at those beside him who laughed at his predicament. He finished loading 
and threatened to fire at his assailants. This was unnecessary as. at about that 
time they broke and ran. His comrades pulled him down and he gradually 
cooled off. The regiment remained where it was till dark, and the next day 
protected the retirement of the army and was one of the last to recross the 
river to its former camp. Gibson stuck by till the end. 

SIMON GOODELL GKIFFIN 

Captain, Second New Hampshire Infantry, Company B; 
Colonel, Sixth New Hampshire Infantry; Brigadier General; 
Major General by Brevet ; at the close of the war. Com- 
mander of the Second Division of the Ninth Army Corps. 

He was born and brought up in Nelson, — where his parents resided during 
the war, — and taught school there, having among his pupils a number of 
Nelson boys, who subsequently distinguished themselves as soldiers. 

On the first call of President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand three 
months' men he volunteered as private in a company being formed in Con- 
cord, N. H., and, on its organization, was chosen Captain. Finding that 
the quota of New Hampshire under this call was full he, with a large number 
of his men, volunteered for three years under, the second call, and they 
were mustered in as Company B of the Second Regiment, New Hampshire 
Infantry, June 4, 1861. The Company was known as the "Goodwin Rifles," 
and, by the exertions of Griffin and his friends, was armed with Sharpe rifles, 

14 



the only company sent from the State with breech loaders. At the first 
battle of Bull Run he conmianded the company, and handled it with re- 
markable coolness and bravery, although it was under a heavy fire and lost 
twelve men, killed and wounded. After this battle he was sent by General 
Joseph Hooker back to New Hampshire to try to persuade the authorities to 
arm an entire regiment with Sharpe's rifles, but was unsuccessful on account 
of the great expense involved. October 20, 1861, he was promoted to be 
Lieutenant Colonel of the Sixth Xew Hampshire Infantry, and soon after 
took command of the regiment, its Colonel having resigned. He was appointed 
Colonel April 22, 1862. 

At Antietam, September 17, 1862, he led his regiment and the Second 
Marj-land in a desperate charge on the Stone Bridge, for which General 
Burnside, on several public occasions, gave him high commendation. At Fred- 
ericksburg, December 13, 1862, he again attracted special attention, and on 
!^^ay 20, 1863, was placed in permanent command of the First Brigade, Sec- 
ond Division, of the Ninth Army Corjis, and never after returned to his 
regiment. His brigade, consisting of the Sixth and Ninth New Hampshire, 
Second Maryland, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania and the Seventh and Twelfth 
Rhode Island, operated with General Sherman in the defence of the rear 
of Grant's army before Vicksburg in June, 1863, and was in the advance 
line which entered Jackson the following month. 

On the morning of July 13th, while he was temporarily in command of 
the whole Ninth Coqis of three brigades, the enemy made a sudden and 
furious attack, which was repulsed with great slaughter. 

August 7, 1863, Major General John G. Parke, commanding the Ninth 
Corps, wrote General Grant recommending Griffin's promotion "for soldierly 
qualities and gallant conduct whenever he has met the enemy." 

September 10, 1863. at Lexington, Ky., he was in command of the Second 
Division of the Ninth Corjis, and a little later was placed at the head of 
Camp Nelson, Ky., one of the largest and most important depots of supplies 
in the country, with about nine thousand men under him. 

In the Spring of 1864. when the anny was reorganized, in preparation for 
the last great campaign against Richmond, he was given the Second Brigade, 
Second Division of the Ninth Corps. The returns of ^fay 5, 1864, show that 
his brigade then incluiled the Second Maryland, the Thirty-first and Thirty- 
second ^faine, the Sixth. Ninth and Eleventh New Hampshire and the 
Seventeenth Vermont. 

Tlius far. desjute his great responsibilities and the large bodies of troops 
he commanded, and n»peated recommendations for his promotion, his rank 
had remained Colonel. 

His brigade was on the right of the Ninth Corps and on the left of Han- 
cock in the battle of Sjwttsylvania, !May 8-20. 1,S64, and did some of the 
hardest fighting in its whole experience, particularly on May 12th, at the 
"Bloo<ly Angle", when it 8ave<l the day. (iriffin handled it superbly, executing 
the most brilliant movement of the engagement. 

Woodburj', in his History of the Ninth Corj's, page 384. in speaking of 
the crifiis of the battle, says: "Colonel Griffin's jiosition enablwl him to be 
of effectual service, and the enemy was handsomely met and Hancock was 



saved. So prominent had been the gallantry of the Brigade Commander upon 
this and former occasions that General Burnside recommended him for 
instant promotion." General Grant earnestly concurred. The United States 
Senate gave him the unusual distinction of confirming his nomination, without 
reference, by unanimous vote, and his commission bore date of May 12th. 

On the night of June 16, 1864, in command of his own and General 
Curtin's brigades, he attacked the enemies' entrenchments in front of Peters- 
burg, broke through and captured over a thousand prisoners with arms, 
artillerj' and ammunition. With proper support he would have gone clear 
through to Richmond. 

At the assault after the explosion of the "Mine," July 30, 1864, according 
to the official reports, he went with a portion of his brigade far in advance 
of all other troops, almost to the top of Cemetery Hill, and exhibited personal 
valor of the most conspicuous character. 

In October, 1864, the Fifty-sixth Massachusetts, the One Hundred and 
Seventy-ninth and One Hundred and Eighty-sixth New York, and the Sec- 
ond New York Mounted Rifles were added to his command. 

April 2, 186.5, he arranged and led the final assault in front of Fort "Hell" 
(Sedgewick), and, when his immediate superior. General Potter, was wounded 
early in the action, took command of the division and held it until the end 
of the war. 

For gallantry in this last affair he was breveted Major General. 

In "New Hampshire in the Great Rebellion," by Major F. R. Waite, it is 
paid of him: "His service was constantly at the front and never, during the 
whole war, did the troops of his command make a march or come under fire 
in a single instance that he was not present to command them in person." 
He took an active part in twenty-two great battles, besides being under fire 
numberless other times in skirmishes and smaller fights. Seven balls passed 
through his clothes; two horses were killed and five others wounded under 
him. At Antietam one-fifth of the men in his command were killed or 
wounded ; at Fredericksburg one-third, and at the Second Battle of Bull Run 
one-half. In Grant's severe campaign in 1864 he left Alexandria with six 
regiments, reporting twenty-seven hundred fighting men. At the close of 
the campaign he had lost three thousand men, killed and wounded, three 
hundred more than his whole original number, new regiments having been 
assigned to him until he had eleven in his brigade, while the old ones had 
been kept up by recruits. His leadership was always gallant and intelligent, 
and frequently brilliant to a high degree. Every promotion was won on the 
field of battle. He reached the highest rank of any soldier that went from 
New Hampshire. 

See John Osgood, both John Stevens and William B. Bobbins. 

FRANK B. HARDY 

Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted October 9, 1862; mustered in as Corporal October 
24, 1862; mustered out August 20, 1863. Also, on December 
16, 1864, paid $300 to secure the enlistment, in Nelson's quota, 
of John McCarty, from Ireland. Born in Nelson. A brother 
of George G. Hardj\ See Charles A. Tarbox. 

16 



GEORGE G. IIARDV 

Sixt«Miitli Kogimont New Hampshire Infantry, Company Q; 
enlisted October 9, 1862; mustered in October 24, 1S62; died 
in service of disease at New Orleans, La., June 21, 1863. 
Born in Nelson. See Charles A. Tarbox. 

One day in April. 1861, when the stage from Wilton arrived in Nelson 
bringing the mail, a little daughter of George Hardy carried home a news- 
paper and. as her father and young Edwin P. Hunt, who livcfl with him, 
were at their work, she read to them the headlines announcing the attack on 
Sumter. Hardy turned to Hunt and gravely remarked, "One of us will have 
to go". A few days later, when the call came for 75,000 volunteers, Hunt 
claimed the privilege of youth and was the first one to enlist from Nelson. 

Eighteen months passed. Call had succeeded call. The young men, full 
of enthusiasm, had marched awaj% and news had come that Abbott, Black, 
Cuxton, Stevens, Edward N. Taft, Warren, Wheeler and White were dead; 
that Flagg, Edwin Richardson, Leonard E. Robbins, Worth and George W. 
Osgood lay in hospitals suffering from grievous wounds; that more than a 
score of others were prostrated by disease, and that the Sixth Regiment, 
which on Christmas Day, 1861, had left Keene a thousand strong, now had but 
c. little over one hundred men fit for duty. Not only was the end of the war 
not in sight, but not a single victory of importance had yet been won by the 
L'nion arms, and a new call had come for "three hundred thousand more". 
Nelson must fill her quota or submit to a draft. 

George Hardy was forty-five years of age. a fanner and also a skillful 
carpenter, in the midst of a construction job. He had an invalid wife and six 
children, the youngest in the cradle. A draft meant nothing to him personally, 
for he was over military age and his sons too young to be affected. The 
bounties offered in 1862 were not large enough to be an inducement. He did 
not deceive himself for a moment into thinking that a man of his age could 
long withstand the hardships of a campaign. And yet, after quietly consider- 
ing tlie matter with his conscience, he decided that it was his duty to go, and 
forthwith went. Influenced largely by his <'xample, eight others went with 
him into the same company, and there was no draft. 

As he left home and came to the turn of the road he cast a lingering look 
backward, and then, with pro]ihetic vision, remarked to Russell H. Kittredge, 
who was carrying him to Hillsboro, "I shall never return". 

When George W. Osgood, far away on the battle line in Kentucky, heard 
of Hardy's death and wrote in his diary, "lie teas a good citizen at home and 
his loss will be severely felt in our town," he expressed the universal sentiment. 

Cases like this illustrate what Francis Bret Harte meant when, in 1862, 
he wrote: 

"The great heart of the nation, throbl)ing, an8were<l: 
Lord we come." 

ORANGE P. HARRIS 

Fifty-eighth Regiment Illinois Infantry. Company C; en- 
listed .January' 1. 1862; commissioned Second Lieutenant about 
January 1. 1864; mustered out April 1. 1866. Bom in Nelson. 

i: 



PARKER HART 

Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company I; en- 
listed July 26, 1862; mustered in August 15, 1862; honorably 
discharged May 16, 1865. A resident of Nelson, after the war, 
for many years. 

HENRY D. HOLMES 

First Regiment Vermont Cavalry, Company B; enlisted Sep- 
tember 5, 1863; with Sheridan through great Shenandoah 
Valley campaign; wounded and captured by the enemy, with 
about seventy others, in engagement near Middle Road, Va.; 
confined in Libby Prison at Richmond, Va. ; paroled February 
5, 1865, and subsequently exchanged; rejoined regiment and 
took part in the grand review at Washington; transferred to 
Company F June 21, 1865; mustered out August 9, 1865. A 
resident of Nelson, after the war. 

CLEMENT S. HOLT 

Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted August 2, 1862; mustered in August 13, 1862; mus- 
tered out May 11, 1865. Bom in Nelson. 

EDWARD B. HOLT 

Third Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; 
mustered in December 23, 1863; wounded severely at 
Drewry's Bluff, Va., May 13, 1864; mustered out May 25, 
1865. Bom in Nelson. Brother of Marquis L. Holt. Their 
father, Hiram Holt, tried to enlist in the Sixteenth New 
Hampshire, but was rejected by the examining surgeon. 

MARQUIS L. HOLT 

Third Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; 
enlisted August 1, 1861 ; mustered in August 23, 1861 ; ap- 
pointed Corporal; re-enlisted February 16, 1864; promoted 
to Sergeant Major August 24, 1864; promoted to First Lieu- 
tenant April 6, 1865; mustered out July 20, 1865. Born in 
Nelson. 

Enlisting at the age of sixteen, he was never in the hospital, never 
wounded, never off duty, except when on furlough, and participated in every 
engagement of the regiment except two or three of minor importance. Cap- 
tain Daniel Eldridge, the historian of the Third, says that he "was a short, 
rosy-cheeked youth, full of vigor, hardy, vivacious, and made an excellent 
soldier." 

At the assault on Fort Fisher he was one of the very few from his regi- 
ment participating in the capture of the fort. May 5, 1865. he was ordered to 
act as First Lieutenant and assigned to Company F, and also to be nominally 
in command of Company C. The last two months of his service he acted as 
Adjutant. 

18 



CHARLES A. HOWARD 

Second Rt'gimont New Hampshire Infantry, Company B; 
enlisted September 2, 1861; miisten-d in September !t, 1861; 
re-enilistetl January 1, 1864; wounded in the neek at Williams- 
l>urg, Va., May '», 1862; wounded in the hip at Cold 
Harbor, Va., June .'}, 1864; promoted to Sergeant July 1, 1864; 
promoted to Second Lieutenant 107th V. S. Colored Troops 
November 23, 1864; musterexl in December 3, 1864; resigned 
July 11, 1865. Bom in Nelson. 

Howard, Fisher and Worth left Munsonville together, bound for Concord, 
to enlist in Cajitain (Iriffin's Company, which nwded recruits from having 
been decimated at the Battle of Bull Run. That was the only company that 
Howard co\dd think of because he had been (iriffin's pupil in the Nelson 
School. The others wished to be with Howard, and perhaps also were 
influenced by the report that, while the Second Regiment was one of the 
steadiest in the wars first great battle. Company B had done a little better 
than any of the others. 

They were as close friends as the famous "Three Musketeers" and, in their 
way, were destined to become equally good fighting men. It will be recalled 
that in Dumas' great romance, the "Three" soon became four. Athos, Porthos, 
Aramis and D'Artagnan. so to our three was soon joined another, Edwin 
Richardson. They kept together throughout most of their service and made 
a wonderful record. Nothing but wounds ever kept any one of them out of 
battle. As far as size was concerned Howard was the Porthos of the combi- 
nation. Though only twenty years of age he weighed about two hundred 
and thirty pounds. 

Several others, whom they had known in Nelson, went to the Second at 
the same time as recruits for other companies. Silas L. Black. James W. 
Felt and Ara }>[. Wilson went to Company A; Phineas A. Parker to Company 
D; James F. Richardson and Leonard E. Robbins to Company G, and Lyman 
E. Wardwell to Company H. 

WTien they arrived, in addition to Griffin they found Rufus Atwood, 
Edward N. Taft and Gilman E. White, who had be<'u original members of the 
regiment. 

The members of Comi)any B were armed with Sharjx* rifles and were the 
ojdy company in the regiment that had breech loaders. As they could 
shoot farther and faster that the others they were almost invariably put on 
the skirmish line to begin the battles. This gave tlieni many unique 
experiences. 

During the latter part of 1861 the regiment was on the lower Potomac 
at Budd's Ferrj-. Md.. and there, on December 20th, occurred the death of 
Black, the first anumg those who had ever lived in Nelson. His body was 
shipped north for burial in Sidlivan. Companies A ami B parade<l a« escort 
to the boat. 

In the spring of 1862 they went tn the P«'ninsu]ar and for a month took 
part in the Siege of Yorktown. and. on its capture, pressed on toward Williams- 
burg whore, on May r>th. in a cold drizzling rain, occurred their first battle. 

The enemy hail cut tlir tiinlx-r and constructwl a strong abattis. behind 

10 



which were rifle pits and behind the latter redoubts, the largest of which was 
Fort Magruder. 

Company B was called on and deployed as skirmishers while the brigade 
formed behind them. 

A few moments later Howard was the first Nelson man to shed his blood 
on any battlefield. As he was struggling forward a bullet passed through 
his neck. The surgeon told him afterwards that a deviation of about a hair's 
breadth would have severed the jugular. He dropped out and started for the 
rear, and then, when it suddenly occurred to him that he had left behind his 
precious rifle, turned and went back, found the gun and delivered it to Worth, 
who promised to take care of it. The latter loaned it to Lieutenant Henry 
of the First Massachusetts, who used it effectively that day and had it ready 
for Howard when he returned from the hospital a few weeks afterwards. 

A little later in the day Bobbins was seriously wounded and Taft was 
cut in two by a cannon ball from Fort Magruder. The latter was the first 
Nelson man killed in action. 

Howard returned to the company before the first of June, and on the night 
of June 3rd marched with it to the trenches on the battlefield of Fair Oaks 
to relieve Sickles' Excelsior Brigade, which had been fighting there continu- 
ously for three days. 

It was raining and pitch dark. No lights of any kind were allowed. 
Howard dropped down just where he was halted, and, despite the continuous 
firing and the terrible stench of the battlefield, slept the sound sleep of 
exhaustion. When daylight came he found that the mound of earth which 
had served as a pillow was a grave, and that only a few inches of earth sepa- 
rated his head from its occupant, whose feet were entirely exposed. All 
around lay hundreds of corpses of which there had not been even a pretence 
of burial. 

Three weeks later, not far from there, at Oak Grove, occurred an engage- 
ment which in war annals only ranks as a skirmish, but it was a serious 
affair for Company B. As usual they were sent to drive in the enemies' 
pickets. They did so, but only after the most desperate fighting. Of the 
forty-two men who went in twenty-two were killed or wounded. Eichardson 
was wounded. Howard, Fisher and Worth came out unscathed. Fisher was 
soon after captured and sent to Belle Isle, but was exchanged and returned to 
the company within a few weeks. 

Then, as the army retreated, battle succeeded battle in rapid succession. 
Peach Orchard, Va., June 29; Glendale June 30, and Malvern Hill from 
July 1 to August 5. For six weeks they were almost constantly under fire. 
As Howard expressed it, "Company B skirmished all the way from Fair 
Oaks to Malvern Hill." 

After the close of the Peninsula campaign the Second went to join the 
army of General Pope and fought at Kettle Run, Va., August 27, 1862, and 
Second Bull Run August 29. 

The brigade, of which it was the center regiment, was ordered to drive 
the enemy out of the woods. It encountered the first line of rebels in a rail- 
road cut and received from them a murderous fire. With a yell every man 
dashed forward, and in a moment the railroad was carried and those there 
who had delivered their volley in a prone position were taken prisoners before 

20 



they had time to rise. Howard says that this was the only charjfe in which 
he participated that actually went through. Here Worth was severely wounded 
in the arm. 

Those who were unhurt dashed on for the second line, which rose and 
received them with a volley, but before they could realize it the Second was 
in their midst and the line broke and fled. A third line still remaine<l and 
the repiinent pressed on and was just breaking? throuKh once more when it 
was assailed on both flanks. In its impetuosity it had got far in advance of 
the rest of the brigade. It had to fall back and succeeded in doing so without 
losing its organization. Company B was left with no commissioned officer. 
Captain Littlefield having been killed and Lieutenant Ballard wounded. 

The historian of the regiment says: "At this time a brigade of the Ninth 
Army Corps came up and advanced into the woods just to the right. The 
Second noted from its flags that one of the regiments was the Sixth New 
Hampshire, but there was no time for visiting." (See John Stevens and 
George W. Osgood.) 

In the great assault on the Heights of Fredericksburg, on December 13, 
1862, the Second did not take part, as it was assigne<l to guard the pontoon 
bridges over the Rappahannock, but on Sunday, December 14, Company B 
had a little battle of its own. A battery of the enemy was shelling their 
brigade and they went out with the Sharpes and silenced it by shooting gun- 
ners and horses. 

In the late spring of 1863 the regiment wius granted a furlough and 
Howard and his friends visited Nelson. When they returned Lee's Campaign 
for the invasion of the North had already begun, and the army had started 
on forced marches to head him off. In striving to overtake the others the 
Second was put to such a pace that Howard, with sore feet from new shoes, 
for the first and only time in his life, could not keep up and made the ac- 
quaintance of that despised class, the habitual stragglers, always behind to 
avoid possible engagements. He, however, arrived in camp after nightfall 
and the next day held his own with the best. 

At Gettysburg, on the second day, July 2, 1863, the regiment had its 
worst battle. They were in the Third Corps, commanded by General Daniel 
E. Sickles who, instead of forming on Cemetery Ridge with the rest of the 
battle line, stationed his corps, of about ten thousand men, a thousand yards 
in front, on the Emmettsburg road, where with both flanks exposeil they were 
attacked bj- about thirty thousand confederates, and, after desperate fighting, 
were driven back to the jwsition originally intended for them. 

The Second New Hampshire behaved with gidlantrv and brilliancy, amoii^ 
other things making a charge that is historic. Company B was not in the 
charge. They had taken possession of a farmhouse from which they were 
Bharpshooting at the enemy as it advaiuMnl across the open, repeate<lly bringing 
down regimental colors. Even the wounded joine<l in the firing. When the 
retriment was tlrivcu lack th«'s«' wounded and sonn- others who were slov/ in 
getting out were captured. 

Captain Hubbard and First Lieutenant liallard of Company B were both 
killed, and Second Lie\jtenant Shute was woun<le«l. Con>oral Worth was 
kille<l during the retn-at, and his ImhIv, whidi c<>uld not be identifiotl, is 

21 



buried somewhere on the field. Edwin Richardson was wounded, and Corporal 
Lyman E. Wardwell captured. 

On July 29, Greorge W. Osgood, with the Sixth New Hampshire in Ken- 
tucky, wrote in his diary: '^Reported that the Second New Hampshire was 
all cut to pieces at Gettysbung." The report was true, and yet the old 
regiment had enough vitality left to fight on many a day afterwards. They 
gave a good account of themselves at Wapping Heights, Va., July 23, 1863, 
and Swift Creek, Va., May 9, 1864, and gained great distinction at Drurys 
Bluff, May 16, 1864. 

Edwin Richardson was wounded again at Swift Creek. Howard and 
Fisher went safely through all three. 

The night before Drurys Bluff Howard helped string a tangle of telegraph 
wire in front of the position held by the regiment and. when the enemy 
charged in the fog on the following morning, they suffered enormous losses. 
Major J. D. Cooper thus reported to the Adjutant General of New Hampshire: 

"In the battle of Drurys Bluff, on the sixteenth of May last, the regiment 
doubtless inflicted more serious damages than in any other fight in which it 
was engaged. It is estimated that our regiment alone killed over fifteen hun- 
dred rebels and wounded over three times that number. The ground was 
strewn for more than three hundred yards in our front so thick with rebels 
that it was difficult to move without treading on the dead." 

Then came the assault at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. General Grant, in. 
his memoirs, says: "I have always regretted that the last assault at CoM 
Harbor was ever made. No advantage whatever could be gained to compen- 
sate for the heavy loss we sustained." The total loss was nearly thirteen 
thousand men, most of them within the first twenty minutes. The wounded 
who then fell and were unable to crawl off without assistance, lay between 
the lines unaided for six days, or until they died. 

As, just at daybreak, the line formed for the assault, Howard was acting 
as left guide of his regiment. A minie ball passing through his hip 
splintering the bone. As he reeled from the shock a General shouted, 
"Sergeant, get up into your place!" "Don't you see the man is wounded?" 
said his Adjutant, and then the General in a different voice added, "This is 
no place for you. Get out of here!" 

Howard tried his best to do so, but would have made sad work of it 
had not a hostler, who was taking the Colonel's horse to the rear, seen his 
plight and given him assistance. 

As they passed along they met a group of horsemen. In the center was 
a very ordinary looking man, dressed hardly better than a private, almost 
slouchy in appearance. From the deference paid to him by his brilliant 
staff Howard concluded he was some one of importance and, on inquiry, was 
told that it was General Grant. 

Soon after he reached the field hospital who should be brought in but 
Fisher. Howard greeted him cordiallj', saying he was glad to see him and 
that now they could go home together. 

TTiey went together first to a hospital in Washington, then to another hos- 
pital in New Haven, Conn., and finally were furloughed and came back 
together to Nelson. 

From necessity Fisher's fighting days were over. Howard, however, re- 

22 



covered, re-enlisted and went back. As he was ascending the James River, 
August 30, 1864, he heard the explosion as the Mine was blown up at Peters- 
burg. (See William B. Kobbins.) 

In November, 1S64. he was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the lOTtli 
Ignited States Colored Troops. None but men of proved courage were selected 
for such positions. The confederates boastetl that they gave no quarter to 
'"niggers" nor white men who commanded them. 

This regiment was brought to an excellent state of discipline and did 
good service in a rtx«onnaissance in front of Richmond and aft<>rwar(ls in 
the Fort Fisher Exiiedition. 

After Fort Fisher fell they marched to join Shennan's Army in North 
Carolina, and ran across a great crowd of federal prisoners which Sherman's 
advance had caused to be release<l from the pen at Salisbury. Howard says 
this was the most terrible thing in his experience. They were hardly 
recognizable as human beings. The negroes emptied their haversacks and did 
all they could for them, yet he saw some of them fall on a dead horse by the 
roadside and devour its raw Hesh like ravening wolves. 

Then he was detailed to command a company of colored artillery stationed 
at Fort ^lacon, and was offered a Captain's commission, but the war was 
over and he was sick of everything that would remind him of the horror 
of it, so he resigned July 11, 1865. He had been in the sen-ice almost four 
years, and all told had never missed as much as a week from illness or other 
disability, except wounds. 

GEORGE A. HOWARD 

Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company D; 
mustered in March 9, 1865; mustered out July 8, 1865; died 
July 9, 1865, before reaching home. Born in Nelson, 
Howard, intensely patriotic, as became one who was bom on the Fourth 
of July, gave his life for his country at the age of twenty-one, — by the irony 
of fate, dying after the war was over and the very next day after he was 
mustere<l out He was an unusually large, strong and handsome man, weigh- 
ing over two hundred pounds; yet, as happened with many another, four 
months of service killed him. On May 6th, soon after he had joined his 
regiment at Savannah, Ga., they were ordered to Augusta, and, despite 
the great heat, made a forced march of one hundred and fifty miles in nine 
days, arriving just in time to form the guard for Jefferson Davis, Alexander 
H. Stephens and the other high officers of the Confederacy, who had recently 
been captureil. In June they made another arduous march back to Savannah 
and camped out.»*ide the city within the influence of the neighb<iring fever- 
breeding nuirshes. Here many hardy soldiers who had l)orne tJie severities 
of nearly three years of service broke down, and the combine*! influence of 
climate, improper diet and unwholesome surroundings made sickness almost 
universal. In one of his letters he wrote: "What do you suppose we are 
going to have ff>r dinner, hard tack and ham fat; for supper, ham fat and 
liard tack; for breakfast, hard tack and coffee. How is that for vegetables 
this time of year?" He became very ill. but rrfuswl to give up. stuck to 
the regiment and carried his own knapsack and other equipment to tlie boat 
that was to bring him home. He die«l on it, quite suddenly, before reaching 
Hilton Head, S. C, and is buriwi there in the National Cemetery. 

28 



EDWIN P. HUNT 

First Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; en- 
listed April 20, 1861; only a week after the fall of Fort 
Sumter; mustered in May 3, 1861; mustered out August 9. 
1861 ; the first man who enlisted from Nelson. See also George 
G. Hardy. 

Later, Hunt paid $300 to secure the enlistment in Nelson's quota of Wil- 
liam Byefield of New York City, who, unlike most of his class, made an ex- 
cellent record — viz. enlisted and mustered into Fifth New Hampshire In- 
fantry, Company A, September 30, 1863 ; transferred to U. S. Navy, as Lands- 
man, April 19, 1864; served on U. S. S. Maihew Vassar, Fuschia and Mercury; 
discharged as Quartermaster, September 14, 1865. 

SYLVANUS J. KENNISTON 

Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company I; 
enlisted June 17, 1862; mustered in August 15, 1862; died in 
service of disease at Annapolis, Md., April 28, 1864. Enlisted 
from Nelson. 

MALCOLM G. IHTTREDGE 

Second Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company G; 
mustered in May 25, 1861; killed at Chancellorsville, Va., 
May 3, 1863. Born in Nelson. 

MINOT MELVILLE KITTREDGE 

Thirteenth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company H; 
mustered in July 25, 1862; wounded very seriously the second 
day at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863; discharged August 1, 1864, 
for disability arising from wounds. He carried a bullet in 
his body the rest of his life and constantly suffered from its 
effects. Born in Nelson. 

HARLAN P. KNIGHT 

Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; 
enlisted August 18, 1862; mustered in September 18, 1862; 
wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862; died 
of wounds December 26, 1862, at Falmouth, Va. Enlisted 
from Nelson. 

A piece of shell, nearly spent, hit him on the breast without breaking the 
skin. At first his injury was not supposed to be serious and he remained on 
duty for several days afterwards, but finally succumbed to internal injuries. 

SAMUEL G. KNIGHT 

Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; 
enlisted August 18, 1862; mustered in September 18, 1862; 
wounded at Battle of the Wilderness May 6, 1864; mustered 
out June 4, 1865. Enlisted from Nelson. 

24 



HENRY J. KXO\VLTOx\ (See Bissell) 

THOMAS J. LAHIFF 

First Regiment New Hampshire Cavalry, Company A; en- 
listed and mustered in March 10, 1864; wounded July 8, 1864. 
on picket at Sycamore Church, Va.; discharged for disability 
May 15, 1865, at Frederick, Md. A rffsident of Nelson, after 
the war, for many years. 

.lOHN Q. LANE 

Eighteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company 
B; enlisted September 2, 1864; mustered in September 13,. 
1864, as Corporal; mustered out June 10, 1865. A resident of 
Nelson after the war. 

FRANCIS M. LOVELAND 

Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company Ir. 
enlisted August 11, 1862; mustered in August 15, 1862; dis- 
charged for disability October 14, 1864. Enlisted from 
Nelson. 

HORATIO McINTIRE 

First Regiment New Hampshire Cavalry, Company K; 
enlisted December 23, 1863; commissioned Second Lieutenant 
March 18, 1864; dismissed February 15, 1865. A resident of 
Nelson during and after the war for many years. 

Mclntire was brave and patriotic. He was also young, good looking and 
pallant, with a volunteer's ideas of military discipline. According to a mem- 
ber of his regiment, his trouble arose in this way: "The orders were for no one 
to leave camp on a certain night, but Horatio took his horse and went to a 
dance, accompanied some of the fair ladies home across the creek, did not get 
back until morning, and arrived with his horse in a very heated condition. 
He was reprimanded by his superior officer and talked back in quite forcible 
language. For this he was court-martialed and dismissed." 

HOSEA B. MOULTON 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company B; 
enlisted August 10, 1862; mustered in August 18. 1862; 
honorably discharged at Point Lookout, Md., December 10, 
1863. Enlisted from Nelson. 

CHARLES II. NYE 

First Regiment U. S. Volunteer Sharpshooters, Company E; 
enlisted August 28, 1861; mustered in September 9, 1861; 
appointwl Corporal October, 1862; appointed! Sergeant Jan- 
uary 1, 1863; discharged September 8, 1864, on expiration of 
term of service. A resident of Nelson after the war. 

This organization was commonly known as "Berdan's Sharpshooters". 
Company E was in over thirty major engagements and gained an enviable- 
reputation. 

25 



ALPHONSO E. OSBORN (otherwise known as James Smith) 

Third Eegiment ISTew Hamijshire Infantry, Company I; en- 
listed January 6, 1863; mustered in January G, 1863; wounded 
August 16, 1864, at Deep Bottom, Va. ; appointed Corporal 
May 1, 1865; mustered out July 20, 1865. Bom in Nelson. 
Brother of Corties S., Daniel W. and Henry E. Osbom. 

CORTIES S. OSBORN 

Thirteenth New Hampshire Infantry, Company G ; enlisted 
August 13, 1862; mustered in September 19, 1862; died of 
disease October 30, 1864, at Hampton, Va. Born in Nelson. 

DANIEL W. OSBORN 

Thirteenth New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; enlisted 
August 12, 1862; mustered in September 19, 1862; appointed 
Corporal April 1, 1865; mustered out June 21, 1865. Born 
in Nelson. 

HENRY E. OSBORN 

Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company 
G ; enlisted August 11, 1862 ; mustered in September 23, 1862 ; 
discharged for disability May 25, 1863, at Philadelphia, Pa. 
Bom in Nelson. 

ABNER W. OSGOOD 

T^hird Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; 
mustered in as Sergeant August 23, 1861; died of disease at 
Beaufort, S. C, October 10, 1862. Previous to such service he 
enlisted April 25, 1861, as a member of Captain George H. 
Gillis' company of Milford Volunteers, State Service, and was 
discharged at Fort Constitution July 12, 1861. Born in Nelson. 

GEORGE W. OSGOOD 

Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company K 
mustered in December 11, 1861; appointed First Sergeant 
severely wounded at Second Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862 
appointed Second Lieutenant January 3, 1864; re-enlisted 
January 4, 1864; promoted to First Lieutenant July 3, 1864; 
discharged for disability November 7, 1864. Born in Nelson. 

He was one of the original members of the Sixth Regiment, joining while 
its recruits were being drilled, by Lieutenant Colonel Griffin, on the snow- 
covered fairground in Keene. This drill, while not popular at the time, was 
appreciated more later when they found that they had the reputation of being 
one of the best disciplined organizations in the service, and made so magnifi- 
cent an appearance in their first engagement at Camden, N. C, April 19, 1862, 
as to receive official commendation by General Burnside, by General Reno 
and by the Governor of New Hampshire. 

In Company K there was a number of men from Stoddard, including 
John and George Stevens, and Lyman and Frank Richardson, brothers of 
Edwin Richardson, and in the early days, when large Sibley tents were pro- 

26 



vidcd, Osgood lodgi^l with tlicm. Later, after his eoiisiii Joiiii Osjifood 
arrived, for quite a wliile he had him for a bed fellow. 

Second Hull Kim, August 29, 1862, was on the whole the worst battle 
in which the Sixth was ever engaged. An account of it is given elsewhere in 
connection with the records of the two John Stevens. 

During the advance into the woods a large bullet struck Osgood in a place 
where it might have killed him had not a Testament and other articles in his 
pocket broken its force. At is was, it raised a large lumj) on his body. This 
did not stop him, and he pressed on until ordered to retire. 

Just before getting out of the woods he received a severe wound in the 
hip. Some of the Confederates were using a smooth bore musket loaded 
with "buck and ball," i. e.. three buckshot and a round bullet. lie was prob- 
ably hit by a buckshot, which penetrated deeply and, despite cruel probings, 
was never extracted, and occasioned suffering all the rest of his service. 

This kept him in the hospital for some time, and he thus missed the 
battles of South Mountain and Antietam, He, however, returned in time 
for Fredericksburg. December 13, 18G2, which in some respects was even more 
terrible than Bull Run. 

He faithfully kept a diarv during all the years he was at the front. The 
•one for 1862 was lost, but those for 1863 and 186t are still in existence 
with every daj' accounted for. References to other Nelson men are frequent. 

Under date of January- 1, 1863, he writes: 

"No drill. It was a holiday season. Albert Taft ivas here from the 
9th Regiment, and Frederick Richardson from the 2nd. Also Sumner 
Fisher; Hennj Worth and Edwin Richardson from the 2nd. When will 
the war close? Before another Xew Year?" 

It appears that in June, 1863, he went through the arduous Vicksburg 
Champaign, and in July the Campaign against Jackson, Miss., and, though 
his wound troubled him, brought up in Kentucky in August not much if 
any worse off than most of the others. The whole regiment was reduced to 
A state of collapse from sheer exhaustion. 

The following entries in his diary show a sense of humor: 

"July 4, 186S. Vicl'shurg said to he surrendered. Xo firing. Orders 
to march with 5 days' rations. Started about Jfi P. M. Marched about 
four miles toward Jackson. 

"July (1. lS6Jf. Orders to do no more foraging. 

"July 7, lS6Jf. I went more than two miles to confiscate some beans 
and after arriving at Camp they were worthless." 



On July 2Dth, among other things, he wrote this: 

"Two letters for our Company. One for myself from Xelson. Xews 
of the decease of George G. Hardy, 16th X. II.. at Port Hudson. La., 
June 22, of yellow fever. He was a good citizen at hotne and his loss 
will he severely felt in our town. Reported that the 2nd N. H. was 
all cut to pieces at Gettysburg." 



In the latter part of 1863 he had a short furlough, arriving in Nelson 
November 23 and leaving again on December 8. 

In the spring of 1864, after his re-enlistment and Commission, he had 
another furlough of 30 days, which was slightly extended on account of the 
state of his health. During this, on February 18th, he was married. He 
started back April 13, 1864, and apparently did not miss a day between 
then and August 2d. 

On May 6th began the battle of the Wilderness and, under one name 
or another, it was a continuous engagement for the next three months. Prob- 
ably there was hardly a day that he was not under fire. The Wilderness 
merged into Spottsylvania May 8-20; that into North Anna River, May 
23-26, and the latter into Totopotomoy, May 30-31, Bethesda Church, June 
2-3, and Cold Harbor, June 4-12. The Siege of Petersburg began on June 16 
and continued for many months with constant picket firing. 

Meanwhile, on July 3rd, in recognition of his good work, he was promoted 
to First Lieutenant. 

In the latter part of July John Osgood wrote to his father, Horatio, that 
George W. had dysentery and was badly off but was so obstinate he would 
not give up. 

On July 30 occurred the great battle of the ''Mine," and two days later, 
August 2, Lieutenant Osgood. wrote this in his diary: 

"Another hot day. Sergeant Irving Rand, Co. H, died in 
the morning of wounds received July 30. He was wounded through 
the head. Captain Greenleaf, same Co., pretty low and feeble. I 
was carried to City Point in the afternoon. Rode in a baggage wagon 
which nearly killed me. Had kind of a fever when I arrived and felt 
badly generally. John Upton came in to see me, reduced to a skeleton. 
Expecting to go away to-morrow, he says, which he thinks his only 
chance of recovery." 

He never was able to return to duty. Growing much worse, he was sent 
North to the hospital at David's Island, New York, where he was visited 
by his wife and his brother-in-law, Orson C. Tolman, who, as soon as he 
could travel, brought him back to Nelson, starting August 31st. 

In the following November he went back to Annapolis, but the examining 
surgeons certified he would never again be fit for duty, so he received an 
honorable discharge. His period of service lacked only one month of being 
three years. 

"Deacon" Osgood, as he was afterwards commonly called, was in many 
respects an unique figure of a soldier. Intensely religious and with patriotism 
part of his religion, concealing kindness of heart by gruffness of speech, in- 
dependent in thought and action, with bravery and devotion that rendered 
him very dangerous on the battlefield, he seemed like one of Cromwell's Iron- 
sides translated from the Seventeenth into the Nineteenth century. 

Regardless of his surroundings he prayed aloud each night. None of 
his comrades had the courage to follow his example, but though some of them 
were rather rough men, no one interfered with him or insulted him. Though 
some laughed at him they were careful not to do so in his presence, and he 
had the respect of all and the affection of not a few. 

28 



During all his service he was an officer, and for a long time he occcupied 
the difficult position of Orderly Sergeant. His successive promotions indi- 
cated the approval of his superiors. General (Iriffin is said to have been 
particularly fond of him. 

No one was more anxious than he to preserve the memories of those who 
Lad part in the great struggle. As long as he lived he took the lead in the 
observance of Memorial Day, and no other man knew as much as he about 
the records of Nelson soldiers. He sought to honor not only those who were 
in the town's quota, but all who had ever been identified with Nelson, and he 
made up a roster which is the basis of the one here published. 

He may be regarded as the father of the present enterprise. 

JOHN OSGOOD 

Sixth Regiment, New Hampshire Infantry, Company K; en- 
listed August 15, 1862; mustered in August 15, 1862; ap- 
pointed Corporal ; mustered out June 4, 1865. Born in Nelson. 

John Osgood went direct from a Nelson farm to a battlefield in Mary- 
land without intervening military drill or experience. It came about in 
this way: After haying was over in August, 1862, he went to Concord, where 
the Ninth Regiment was in camp completing its recruiting, and visited 
friends who were going out with it. He had been considering for a long 
time what was his own duty, and while there finally reached the conclusion 
that he ought to enlist. The natural thing would have been to join the 
N^inth, for they were very anxious to obtain more men, but, \\'ith character- 
istic Yankee caution and shrewdness, before saying anything about his in- 
tention, he decided to take expert advice. He had heard that Pajonaster Henry 
McFarlane had been in the Regular Army and concluded that therefore he 
must be well posted; so, although he was an entire stranger, he called at his 
office and talked things over with him. McFarlane was kind and explained 
many matters. Finally Osgood admitted that he thought some of enlisting 
and asked what regiment would be best for him. McFarlane advised him to 
go into a veteran organization because he could learn much by watching the 
experienced men. In answer to a question whether the "Sixth" was a good 
Regiment, he said there was none better. Osgood thought of the Sixth be- 
<?ause he knew it was commanded by Colonel Griffin, who not only was a Nel- 
son man but had taught school in District No. 1, with Osgood as a pupil. 
The next question was: "How do I go about it to enlist?" and the reply, "I'll 
tell you how and I will also tell you how you can make tiiirteen dollars. The 
State pays fifteen dollars to any one wlio secures a recruit. You go to Lawyer 
Badger, right in this building, pay him two doUnrs and get him to nuike out a 
set of enlistment papers; then go to the Examining Surgt^on, also in this build- 
ing, and if he says you are all right come back to me. I will muster you 
into the Sixth Regiment and give you an order on which you can collect 
fifteen dollars for having recruited yourself." Osgood obeyed instructions 
to the letter and within an hour was a full-fle<lged soldier. He was allowed 
to go back to Nelson for a few days to hid his folks goo<l-bye, juid tlu'u started 
for the front and joined his regiment as it was marching from Washington 
to repel tlie invasion of Maryland. At Soutli ^fountain, on September 14th. 
he had his baptism of fire and admits he nearly fainted as he saw the first 

20 



wounded man — shot through the front of the head with both eyes put out. 
Three days later he reached Antietam where, ou September 17, over twenty- 
one thousand men were killed or wounded — more than fell on any other day 
during the whole war. 

The Sixth was then indeed a veteran organization. Disease had swept 
its ranks. Two weeks before, at Second Bull Run, it had lost half of those 
engaged, and two more fights at Chantilly and South Mountain had occurred 
since then. Only about one hundred and fifty men were left, and Recruit 
Osgood, following Mr. McFarlane's advice, was watching them to see what 
he should do. They proved good instructors. 

On the morning of that memorable day, Burnside, commanding the Union 
left, received orders that the stone bridge over Antietam Creek must be car- 
ried at once and at any cost. To lead the desperate enterprise he selected 
the Sixth New Hampshire and the Second Maryland. 

The road came down to the creek nearly three hundred yards below the 
bridge, then turned at right angles and ran along the bank of the stream, with 
only the narrow creek between it and the enemy, then turned again at right 
angles to cross the bridge. The opposite bank was a steep, high bluff covered 
on its top and sides with forest trees. Behind these trees and behind barri- 
cades of stone and logs the enemy were posted, their fire covering every foot 
of ground over which our troops must pass to reach the bridge. The two 
skeleton regiments formed in a field below where the road came down to the 
creek, some sixty or seventy rods below the bridge, directly under the fire of 
the concealed enemy. They fixed bayonets and moved at the double quick, 
charging in the most gallant manner directly up the road toward the bridge. 
As, led by Colonel Griffin, they passed from the field into the road, the enemy 
from their entrenchments redoubled the fury of their fire, sweeping the head 
of the column with murderous effect. Of the first hundred men who passed 
through the opening in the fence, at least nine-tenths were killed or wounded. 
Osgood saw the regimental flag go down with all the men about it. He saw 
Griffin pick it up and carry it forward, and followed it, keeping as close as 
possible. They reached the end of the bridge and there they had to stop, — 
too few were left. They sheltered themselves behind fences, logs, trees, or what- 
ever other cover they could find, held their ground without yielding an inch, 
and waited for reinforcements. Osgood climbed a fence and heard the bullets 
thud into the rail over which his leg was flung. Menville Bowers of Peter- 
boro, the next man on his left, fell, hit, as was subsequently ascertained, seven 
times. With Sergeant Rand and others of his company, and W. W. French 
of Company B, he got behind a scrub oak and they took turns in resting their 
muskets in a crotch while they fired. Osgood shot and fell back to load. 
Rand stepped into his place and fell back dead in French's arms, with a bullet 
through his forehead. Help came. About one o'clock the bridge was passed, 
at the cost of five hundred men, and all the long afternoon the battle raged 
on the bluff beyond. The Sixth was the first to reach the top, and when dark- 
ness came they rested on their arms, expecting to fight again at daybreak. 

Thus closed a rather exciting day for a young man who only three weeks 
before had left peaceful Nelson. 

A month later he fought at White Sulphur Springs, and on December 
13th, 1862, as he climbed the heights at Fredericksburg, a shell burst in front 



30 



of him, killing two, wounding several others, and upsetting Osgood and cover- 
ing him with earth. 

The following June, with his regiment, he took part in the glorious cam- 
paign which on July 4, 1863, resulted in the fall of Vicksburg, the key of the 
Mississippi, with thirty-four thousand prisoners, — the first great victory for 
the Union arms. Then, without pause to enter the captured city, came the 
Battle of Jackson, from July tenth to sixteenth, preceded and followed by 
forced marches and about every kind of hardship to which troops are ever 
subjected. 

The weather was extremely hot, even for that region. The running 
streams were dry. They camped in the swamps of the Yazoo, — meaning river 
of death. They were pushed to the limit of human endurance, and beyond 
that limit for many of them. When, in August, they reached Nicholasville, 
Kentucky, the Sixth Regiment was, for the time being, completely done for. 
One morning only sixteen men were reported fit for even light duty. Com- 
pany I had but one man. Company K had but two — John Osgood and his 
tentmate, John Upton of Stoddard. 

There probably was a reason why they escaped the general calamity. Long 
before Dr. Sherman Cooper, Surgeon of the Regiment, had advised Osgood 
rot to drink water unless it was first boiled. He probably gave the same advice 
to others, but few followed it. All through the Mississippi campaign, how- 
ever, Upton and Osgood strained the swamp water through their bandanna 
handkerchiefs, "to take out the larger wrigglers'', then boiled it, with a little 
cofiFee, in their tin cups, filled their canteens, and drank nothing else. They 
arrived at Nicholasville, tired indeed, but still fit for fight or frolic. 

In January, 1864, the regiment left Kentucky for New Hampshire to enjoy 
a furlough of thirty days, which Osgood spent in Nelson. 

In March they returned to Annapolis, Md., where Osgood was appointed 
Corporal and detailed for about a month to the Postoffice of the Ninth Army 
Corps. 

"Colonel" Griffin was now General Griffin, placed in command of the 
Se<'ond Brigade of the Second Division of the Ninth Corps, and one of the 
first things he did was to detail Osgood to the Commissary Department of his 
brigade. Two reasons, among others, prevented this being a sinecure. Griffin 
insisted on having the commissary tent close to his ovnti headquarters, where 
he could see that everything was done just right, and, unlike any other general 
in the whole army, he pitched his headquarters right behind the firing line, 
where the protection was b\it little greater than in the trenches. Wlien in the 
locality known as the "Mine", in front of Petersburg, the Commissary tent 
and its supplies wore riddled with bullets, and one day, as Osgood was report- 
ing to the General in the latter's tent, a bullet passed through the General's 
hat just about where his head came beneath it, — near enough to have cut his 
hair if there had been any. 

Though nominally having a commissioned officer over him, Osgood, with 
seventeen assistants, practically ran his department, and remained there until 
the war was over. 

He returned to Nelson with the unusual distinctions of never having been 
in camp of instruction, guanl-house or hospital, and with a record of one 
hundred per cent, of efficient duty. 

31 



For a further account of the Battle of Antietam, see John Stevens. For 
another example of the effect of the Vicksburg campaign on the health of a 
regiment, See George G. Scripture. 

DAVID C. OWEN 

Fourth Eegiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company C 
enlisted September 4, 1861; mustered in September 18, 1861 
re-enlisted February 19, 1864; mustered in February 28, 1864 
mustered out August 23, 1865. A resident of Nelson after 
the war. Name omitted from tablet by inadvertence. 

CLINTON J. PARKER 

First Regiment New Hampshire Heavy Artillery, Company 
H; mustered in August 31, 1864; mustered out June 15, 1865. 
Born in Nelson. 

JOSIAH PARKER 

Forty-second Regiment Illinois Infantry, Company K; en- 
listed October 21, 1864; was in seven engagements, including 
Battle of Nashville; honorably discharged October 19, 1865. 
Born in Nelson. 

JUDSON PARKER 

First Missouri State Militia, Company C; mustered into 
service of United States January 14, 1862; honorably dis- 
charged for disability on surgeon's certificate August 12, 1864; 
admitted to Soldiers' Home, Orting, Washington, May 27, 
1896, where he died March 3, 1902. Born in Nelson. 

LUCIUS PARKER 

Fourteenth Eegiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company 
G; enlisted August 30, 1862; mustered in September 23, 
1862; killed at Opequam or Winchester, Ya., September 19, 
1864; one of thirty-three officers and men buried in one 
grave. Born in Nelson. 

PHINEAS A. PARKER 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company D; 
enlisted September 6, 1861; mustered in September 17, 1861; 
discharged for disability May 23, 1863. Enlisted from Nelson. 

GEORGE S. PETTS 

Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted October 9, 1862; mustered in October 24, 1862; 
mustered out August 20, 1863; left sick at Mound City Hos- 
pital, Illinois. Born in Nelson. (See Charles A. Tarbox.) 

JOSEPH S. PHILLIPS 

Thirty-third Missouri Infantry, Company E; appointed Cor-- 
poral; wounded at Battle of Helena, Ark., July 4, 1863; died 

32 



from wound at Tuscombia, Mo., September 17, 1S63. A resi- 
dent of Nelson before the war. (See Minot K. Phillips.) 

MINOT E. PHILLIPS 

Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company I; 
enlisted August 11, 1862; mustered in August 15, 18G2; died 
in the service of disease at Aquia Creek, Va., January 30, 1863. 
Enlisted from Nelson. 

Reuben Phillips, who was elected deacon of the Nelson Church in 1820, 
had six sons, viz. : Joseph S., Ruf us, Washington, Simeon W., !Minot R. and 
Judson. Washington was the father of Rev. Elsworth W. Phillips, who now 
lives in the town. To this family the war brought tragedy in many and 
peculiar forms. It was "a house divided against itself." Brother fought 
brother. 

In 1861 all except Washington and Minot were living in Missouri, where 
some of them had married and all were active, prosperous men. 

Joseph S. was at Tuscombia, where the secession sentiment was so strong 
that he had to flee for his life. Enlisting in the Thirty-third Missouri Vol- 
unteer Infantry, Company E, he became a Corporal, was wounded in the battle 
of Helena, Ark., July 4, 1863, and died as the result of such wound September 
17, 1863. His eldest son, Clayton, a lad in his teens, also enlisted on the 
L'nion side and died in the service. 

Simeon enlisted in a Missouri regiment on the rebel side, was taken pris- 
oner and confined for a time at Fortress Monroe. 

Rufus and Judson, living at Falkncrs Hill in Laclede County, were 
also influenced by their environment, and became Southern sympathizers. 
Rufus organized and became Captain of a company of Guerillas, and Judson 
was his first Sergeant. The former received a severe cut on the head at 
Springfield, Mo., in an engagement with Fremont's forces, and later was 
taken prisoner and confined, until the close of the war, in the Federal Prison 
at Alton, 111. Judson was shot through the head by a United States 
Cavalryman at Lincreek, Mo. 

When Deacon Reuben, who was an ardent patriot, heard that three of 
his sons were with the enemy, he was driven nearly frantic, and the fact 
probalily cost him his life. He dropped dead in the Keene Post Office where 
he had just mailed a letter bearing on the subject to his youngest son, Judson. 

Minot R. left wife and young children to enlist in the Ninth New Hamp- 
shire. As a soldier he was one of the best. He escaped the shot and shell 
of the "Slaughter Pen" at Fredericksburg, only to succumb to the more terrible 
pestilence that lurks on every battlefield. In the History of the Regiment, at 
page 250, a comrade thus tells the particulars of his death: "After the 
fight (Fredericksburg) Wheeler, Phillips and myself were detailed to go over 
with the party that was to bury the dead. The trenches were dug six feet 
wide and three feet deep, and in one trench in particular I remember help- 
ing put in two hundred and seventy-five men, all of them entirely nude, for 
the rebels were short of clothing at that time. We were there burying the 
dead two days and one night, Tlie night we returned to camp Wheeler, 
Phillips and myself were taken sick with typhoid fever and in a few days 
were loadet! into a freight car and shipped to Aquia Creek witii the sick 

33 



and wounded. On arriving there we were put into a tent that would hold 
twelve small cots. We had one man to att-end to us, and he had to walk 
around with rubber boots on, halfway to his knees in mud. In a little 
while Phillips, who laid opposite to me on the other side of the tent, died 
in the forenoon; and that afternoon Wheeler, who had a cot close beside mine, 
also died." 

GEOKGE E. PLUMMER 

Thirty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company D; 
mustered in July 28, 1862; severely wounded in engagement 
at Campbell's Station, Tenn., November 16, 1863 ; left on 
battlefield and never heard from afterwards. Resident of 
Nelson before the war. 

HENRY D. REED 

Eleventh Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company I; 
enlisted August 15, 1862; mustered in September 2, 1862; 
discharged for disability August 14, 1863. Born in Nelson. 

EDWIN RICHARDSON 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company B; 
enlisted August 9, 1861; mustered in August 20, 1861; 
wounded June 25, 1862, at Oak Grove, Va. ; wounded second 
time July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa.; appointed Corporal 
July 7, 1863; re-enlisted and mustered in January 1, 1864; 
wounded third time May 9, 1864, near Petersburg, Va.; 
appointed First Sergeant July 1, 1864; appointed Sergeant 
Major November 6, 1864; appointed First Lieutenant, Company 
D, January 8, 1865 ; resigned May 11, 1865. Previous to afore- 
said service, enlisted April 27, 1861, in Captain Jonathan R. 
Bayley's Company of Keene Volunteers; discharged July 12, 
1861, at Fort Constitution. Enlisted from Nelson. 

He was a son of Luther Richardson of Stoddard and had four brothers in 
the service, viz. : Lyman E. and Frank, in the Sixth New Hampshire, Com- 
pany K; David L., in the Fourteenth New Hampshire, Company A; and 
Harvey J., in the First New Hampshire Cavalry, Company L. They all made 
excellent records. (See under John Stevens and George W. Osgood for men- 
tion of LjTnan E.) For further account of Edwin see what is said of 
Charles A. Howard. 

JAMES F. RICHARDSON 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted August 23, 1861; mustered in August 24, 1861; 
mustered out August 23, 1864, near Petersburg, Va. Enlisted 
from Nelson. 

JOSEPH M. RICHARDSON 

Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G ; 
enlisted September 14, 1862; mustered in October 24, 1862; 

'34 



mustered out August 20, 1863. Enlisted from Nelson. See 
Charles A. Tarbo.x. 

CEOROE W. BOBBINS 

Ninth Regiment Vermont Infantry, Company A; enlisted 
August 9, 1864; wounded at Chapin Farm, Va., September 
29. 1864; mustered out at Richmond, Va., June 13, 1865. A 
resident of Nelson after the war. 

HORACE W. ROBBIE'S 

Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company C; 
enlisted September 1, 1862; mustered in October 18, 1862; 
mustered out August 20, 1863. Born in Nelson. 

LEONARD E. BOBBINS 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted August 23, 1861; mustered in August 26, 1861; 
wounded at Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862; discharged on 
account of wounds January 7, 1863. Enlisted from Nelson. 

WILLIAM B. BOBBINS 

Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; en- 
listed August 6, 1862; mustered in August 13, 1.^62; mustered 
out June 10, 1865. Enlisted from Nelson. 

With the exception of the Vicksburg and Jackson campaigns, in June and 
July, 1863, when he was in hospital at Baltimore, ^Md., Bobbins took part in 
everj- engagement, great or small, of the Ninth Regiment. 

They left Concord August 25, 1862, armed with the "Windsor" rifle, a 
clumsy brass-bound piece with a large sabre bayonet. They did not retain it 
long for it required a different cartridge from those used by other regiments. 
Inability to obtain ammunition gave them at the start an interesting experience. 

They went into camp at Arlington Heights, opposite Washington, on 
August 28, and while there one night an alarm was given that the enemy 
were coming. They fell in and awaited the expected attack without the 
means of firing a shot. 

Their first fight was at South Mountain, September 14. where they covm-d 
themselves with glory, thanks partly to their remarkable bayonets. 

After the enemy had been well pounded by veteran troops, the green 
Ninth, only three weeks from home, with little or no training, was brought up 
and ordere«l to charge. With as yet unbroken ranks it presented a formidable 
appearance, being about five times as large as any other regiment with which 
it was brigaded. The one regiment was mistaken for a new brigade of rein- 
forcements, and this, and the line of Strang*^ and terrible bayonets glistening 
in the sun, was too much for rebel nerves. They broke, and with compara- 
tively little opposition the Ninth rushed clear to tW summit of the mountain. 

Later they lookcil liaek on the afTair a.s almost a joke, btit at the time it gave 
them unbounde<l satisfaction. 

Three days later, at Antietam, they sjiw real fighting and acquitted them- 
selves ere<litably. 

35 



Then came the acid test of their soldierly qualities, on the heights of 
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. 

"The smooth hill is bare, and the cannons are planted, 
I Like Gorgon fates shading its terrible brow; 

f The word has been passed that the stormers are wanted. 

And Burnside's battalions are mustering now." 

Early in the morning heavy firing began and the regiment was put under 
arms and kept moving hither and thither in an agony of suspense. About 
one o'clock the brigade was ordered into the fight, a regiment at a time. The 
Ninth did not move till near the middle of the short December afternoon. 

Elsewhere Amos A. Wyman gives some account of his experiences in the 
early stages of the advance. 

They moved forward, at the double quick, under a galling fire of artillery 
until they came to a road running through a deep cut with walls about fifteen 
feet high, and nearly perpendicular. Into this they rushed to find their 
crowded ranks raked by a murderous fire of shell and canister from two 
pieces of artillery. There was nothing to do but go forward, and they pro- 
ceeded to scale the opposite bank, and, when the survivors reached the sum- 
mit, they met an even heavier artillery fire, and, in addition, volleys of 
musketry full in their faces. 

Even then they did not stop, but swung into an open field, where there 
was sad evidence that many regiments had been before them. This field is 
known in history as "The Slaughter Pen." With what reason may be judged 
when it is considered that a few days later, when it was visited by a burial 
party, on one measured acre there were counted six hundred and twenty dead 
men. (See Minot R. Phillips.) 

Further advance was impossible, and here they remained until dark, when, 
having exhausted their ammunition, they were withdrawn to the edge of 
the city. 

Bobbins, seeking shelter, entered a deserted house. A cannon ball 
smashed through it. Eeflecting that lightning never strikes twice in the 
same place, he concluded to remain, and did so till a few moments later 
another ball came through close to his head. 

The following spring he fell sick and was in a hospital in Baltimore at 
the time of Lee's invasion of the North, and he recalls the excitement when 
it was believed that Baltimore was in danger of capture. Barricades were 
constructed in the streets, and convalescents in the hospitals called out to 
defend them. 

Beginning with the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, he went through all the 
practically continuous battle that, under various names lasted until the end 
of the war in April, 1865. 

Spottsylvania was the Ninth's fiercest conflict. Bobbins was one of the 
skirmishers that drove in the enemy's pickets before the famous charge, all 
along the line, that took place on May 12th. 

By the end of July, constant fighting, and disease resulting from exposure, 
had, despite considerable recruiting, reduced the ranks to about two hundred 
men. Half of these were lost in the terrible affair of the "^line" on .July 30th. 

36 



The siege of Petersburg was going on. Just in front of wiicre tlio Ninth 
regiment lay was a rebel fort. A Pennsylvania regiment, composofl largely 
of experienced coal miners, which, like the Ninth, belonged to General Clriftin's 
brigade of the Ninth Corps, began behind a little knoll and dug a gallery 
4J<2 feet square for 511 feet, till it terminated in two side galleries 23 feet 
below ground and directly under the fort. Here they placed four tons of 
powder, and arrangements were made to fire it at 3.30 a. m. on July 30. 

Elaborate plans were made for the sur]irise attack that was to follow, 
which, it was expected, would result in the capture of the city. 

It is generally agreed that the plans were good and success would have 
been certain had there not been gross incompetency, or worse, in high places. 

Burnside, who commanded the Ninth Corps, had three divisions of white 
troops, commanded respectively by Willcox, Potter and Ledlie, and one divi- 
sion of colored troops commanded by Ferraro. Griffin's Brigade was in Pot- 
ter's division. Burnside's original plan was to send in the colored troojjs 
first, as they were fresher than the white, who had been fighting constantly 
for more than a month. At the last moment this plan was changed. Be- 
tween the commanders of the other divisions there was jealousy and bad 
blood. Burnside weakly allowed them to draw lots to decide who should 
lead, and the lot fell on Ledlie, the poorest of the three. 

As finally agreed, at the moment of the explosion Ledlie's division was to 
move straight forward, pass through the crater and press on to Cemetery 
Hill, four hundred yards beyond. As soon as they were out of the way Will- 
cox was to go in on the left and Potter on the right. 

The troops were all notified the night before and stood under arms breath- 
lessly awaiting the signal. Three-thirty o'clock came and passed, and minute 
after minute went by and nothing happened. The fuse had gone out. Volun- 
teers renewed it, and finally, over an hour late, came an earthquake shock, 
and where the ramparts had stood appeared a yawning chasm, 170 feet long, 
CO feet wide and 30 feet deep. 

Ledlie remained far in the rear and completely lost his nerve. No one was 
in command and each subordinate unit acted by itself, without any general 
direction or co-ordination. His division did not move at all for more than ten 
minutes, and then paused on the edge of the crater, blocking everything be- 
hind. Finally they went in but made only feeble efforts to pass over the other 
side. The pit became filled with disorganized men who. according to General 
Horace Porter, "were mixed up with the dead and dying of the enemy, and 
tumbling aimlessly about or attempting to scramble up the other side. The 
shouting, screaming and cheering, mingled with the roar of the artillerj' and 
the explosion of shells, created a perfect pandemonium, and the crater had 
become a caldron of hell". 

Willcox's division tried to go in on the left and brought up in the pit with- 
out accomplishing anything. 

Neither Burnside nor any division commander, except Potter, went under 
fire. 

Potter turned the leadership of his division over to Griffin. The latter 
gained all the glory that was won that day. Leading a column heade«l by 
part of his own brigade, he skirted the right of the pit. pushed through an 
abattis and. encountering the enemy, in a hand-to-hand struggle, he drove 

37 



them back through their intrenchments and traverses, took 200 yards of rifle 
pits and pressed on more than half-way to the top of Cemetery Hill. He had 
opened up a way, and support was all he needed to go clear through. 

But then he found that not only was he getting no help from Ledlie and 
Willcox, but even Potter was not sending forward the rest of his own division. 
After long delay, two little regiments came and that was all. 

So much delay had occurred that the enemy had recovered from their sur- 
prise and now brought to bear the concentrated fire of 110 cannon and 50 
mortars, to say nothing of thousands of infantry. Griffin's men were 
gradually forced back into the crater, which had seemed completely full before. 

Then, when the confusion was at its height, Bumside sent in the Colored 
Division on top of all and made, if possible, the disorder even worse. 

It was the hottest day of a Southern summer, Avith a temperature of 105°. 
In ''Battles and Leaders of the Civil War", a writer says: "The midsummer 
sun caused waves of moisture, produced by the exhalations of this mass, to 
rise above the crater. Wounded men died there, begging piteously for water, 
and soldiers extended their tongues to moisten their parched lips until their 
tongues seemed to hang from their moutlis." 

Meanwhile on all pitilessly beat the enemy's fire. 

Robbins was there in the thickest of it. He says he did not welcome the 
arrival of the negroes, but the interposition of their bodies perhaps stopped 
bullets that otherwise would have killed him. His friend. First Sergeant 
James H. Ferson, of his company, with whom he had been talking of home 
just before they went into action, fell dead at his side. 

He recalls the appearance of Griffin, which he says was the most magnifi- 
cent thing he ever beheld in his life. A historian has thus described it : "Gen- 
eral Griffin forced his way through the mass of disorganized troops in the 
crater, climbed to the parapet on the further side and called upon the men 
to come forward and form and follow him. The few who sprang up bravely 
to the parapet to join him were nearly every one of them shot dead. He was 
himself twice hit while standing there, but not to draw blood". 

To remain was death or capture. There was only a narrow path for retreat, 
and this was now commanded by the enemy's concentrated fire. After retreat 
was ordered by General Grant it was a long time before the order could 
even reach those for whom it was intended. Messenger after messenger was 
shot down. When it finally came Griffin sent out, a few at a time, all of his 
men who dared to try to run the gauntlet, and about two p. M., without any 
haste, walked out himself, last of all. 

Eobbins admits that, not having the dignity of a general to maintain, he 
himself hastened, even to the extent of starting without his gun, but, think- 
ing of it en route, picked up another equally as good and arrived with com- 
plete equipment. 

The next day Company G was commanded by a Corporal, and the Ninth 
Eegiment by a Lieutenant. Quite a change since South Mountain! 

It is interesting to compare the comments made on the aifair by two per- 
sons who witnessed it from different angles, — Lieutenant George W. Osgood, of 
the Sixth New Hampshire, and General U. S. Grant, commanding all the 
armies of the LTnited States. 

The Sixth was engaged but did not enter the crater. Osgood was very 

38 



ill but still in camp. He made these entries in his diary, beginning the day of 

the battle: 

"Saturday, July 30, 1864, tens a very warm, uncomfortable day. 
Enemy's fort blown up and attack made by the negro troops of the 
Xinth A. C, assisted by the whites. By some mismanagement the 
thing went by default and we lost largely in killed and wounded, and 
prisoners, especially the latter. Killed Capt. Crossfield in our regt. 
Badly wounded Lieut. Upton, Co. F, Capt. Greenleaf. Co. H, slightly, 
Capt. Ela, Lieut. Hanscom. Sgt. Major badly wounded. Many mado 
prisoners in this Brigade. Wm. Dcvoe, Co. K, killed. We lost all we 
gained. 

"Sunday, July 31. Very warm. Exertions made to bury our dead 
under flag of truce. Said by some to be unsuccessful. Lieut. Upton 
died last night. Saw F. Foster. Ninth N. H. V. lost 98 more. Among 
the killed, Capt. Hough commanding the regiment." 

"F. Foster," who gave the news of the Ninth, was J. Frank Foster of 
Nelson. 

Horace Porter, who then was an aide on Grant's staflF, tells how the latter, 
when he heard rumors that things were going wrong, went on foot to the 
scene of action, attended only by Porter and one orderly, and tried, for a long 
time in vain, to find someone in charge of it. He says: "General Grant now 
began to edge his way vigorously to the front through the lines of the assault- 
ing columns as they poured out of the ritie pits and crawled over the obstruc- 
tions. It was one of the warmest days of the entire summer and even at this 
hour of the morning the heat was suffocating. The General wore his blue 
blouse and a pair of blue trousers, — in fact the uniform of a private soldier, 
except the shoulder straps. None of the men seemed to recognize him and 
they were no respecters of persons as they shoved and crowded to the front. 
They little thought that the plainly dressed man who was elbowing his way 
past so energetically, and whose face was covered with dust and streaked with 
perspiration, was the chief who had led them successfully from the Wilder- 
ness to Petersburg." 

At length he surprised Burnside by almost literally dropping down on him 
in a bombproof and, speaking rapidly and with great vigor, said to him, 
"The entire opportunity has been lost. There is now no chance of success. 
Those troops must be immediately withdrawn. It is slaughter to leave them 
tliere.'' This was about nine o'clock in the forenoon, four or five hours he- 
fore Robbins and Griffin retired. 

Later in the day, after long silence. Grant remarked: "Such an oppor- 
tunity for carrying a fortified line I have never seen and never expect to see 
again. If I had been a Division Commander or a Corps Commander I would 
liave been at the front giving personal directions on the spot. I believe the 
men would have performed every duty required of them if they had been 
properly led and skillfully handled." 

He evidently fully agreed with Osgood that there had been "some mis- 
management". 

At Poplar Grove Church, on September 30th, occurred another disastrous 
affair that nearly wiped out all that was left of the Ninth Regiment. Witii 

89 



other troops they made an impetuous assault, captured the enemy's outer works 
and pressed on till they encountered overwhelmingly superior numbers 
who enveloped both their flanks. The little force made an heroic stand, but 
before support could come up many were killed or captured. Among the latter 
was J. Frank Foster. (See his account.) Robbins was close by his side at the 
time and narrowly escaped his fate. In all one hundred and twenty-four men 
were lost, together with the State colors, famous as the first ones planted on 
the ruins of the "Mine". The color-bearer. Corporal Brown, was captured, but 
not until after he had stripped the flag from the staff and torn it into shreds. 
The shattered remnant that rallied and continued the battle numbered less than 
sixty muskets. 

There were no other major engagements, but several minor ones, in all of 
which Eobbins took part, and he was also in the Grand Review at Washington 
on the 23rd of May. 

June 10th, 1865, witnessed the last parade of the Ninth New Hampshire. 
General Griffin addressed the regiment in a few appropriate remarks and 
the Ninth responded with three rousing cheers for their beloved General. 

Eobbins was in a score of battles but says he "saw" but one, — that was the 
charge of the Sixth New Hampshire in front of Fort "Hell", April 2, 1865. 
In all the others he was too busy to take much notice of anything that was 
happening, except in his immediate vicinity. 

JO SI AH RUFFLE 

First Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; en- 
listed April 24, 1861; mustered in May 2, 1861; prevented 
from going to front with regiment by accidental wound; en- 
listed in Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry August 
24, 1861; transferred to Fourth Regiment Artillery, Company 
K, Regular Army, November 1, 1862; re-enlisted February 
11, 1864; discharged on expiration of term of service Feb- 
ruary 11, 1867. A resident of Nelson after the war. 

He had four brothers with him in the Second Regiment, viz.: Sergeant 
Benjamin F., who was wounded at Gettysburg; Corporal Charles; George, 
who was wounded at Second Bull Run; and Samuel, who died in the service 
of disease. All had excellent records. 

JAMES W. RUSSELL 

Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company 
G ; enlisted August 28, 1862 ; mustered in September 23, 1862, 
as Sergeant; appointed Commissary Sergeant November 30, 
1864; appointed Second Lieutenant, Company E, January 4, 
1865; appointed First Lieutenant, Company I, February 17, 
1865; mustered out July 8, 1865. A resident of Nelson before 
the war. His parents resided there until after its conclusion. 

JAMES H. SCOTT 

Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted August 11, 1862; mustered in September 23, 1862; 
detailed to Government Secret Service and on duty at Wash- 

40 



ington for about a year and a half; then detailed to Com- 
missary Department and stationed at New Orleans, La.: 
Savannah, Ga., and elsewhere; mustered out July 8, 1865. 
A resident of Nelson for many years after the war. 

GEORGE G. SCEIPTURE 

Thirty-eighth Regiment Iowa Infantry, Company C; en- 
listed August 20, 1862; mustered in November 4, 1862; trans- 
ferred to Company G of Consolidated Thirty-fourth and 
Thirty-eighth Regiments, Iowa Infantry, January 1, 1»05; 
mustered out August 15, 1865. Bom in Nelson. 

When the war broke out he was in Laclede County, southern Missouri, in 
the employ of Rufus Phillips. (See Minot R. Phillips.) The sentiment of the 
neighborhood was about equally divided and this led, all through 1861, to 
great excitement and disorder, attended with destruction of property and 
bloodshed. When Rufus Phillips and his brother Judson showed themselves 
southern sympathizers and took up arms. Scripture concluded the place was 
too hot for him and removed to Iowa, making the long journey on horseback. 
There he enlisted, as above stated. 

He served for three years. To have survived in his regiment was a distinc- 
tion. Only an unusually fine physique and a magnificent constitution enabled 
him to do so. 

The History of the Thirty-eighth Iowa reads like that of the Sixteenth 
New Hampshire. About the only diflFerence is that the troubles of the former 
lasted longer. 

In June, 1863, it went into camp on the border of a cypress swamp, as part 
of the army investing Vicksburg, and took part in the siege until the city 
fell. On July 12th it started on an expedition to Yazoo City and took part in 
the occupation of that place and the forced march that followed in the direc- 
tion of Jackson; then returned to Vicksburg, and a few days later moved to 
Port Hudson, where it remained three weeks, (For the eflFect of thi3 same 
^lississippi Campaign on the Sixth New Hampshire, see John Osgood.) 

In "Iowa in the Rebellion", L. D. IngersoU says of the Thirty-eighth: "It 
was during this period that the effect of the regiment's unfavorable position in 
the investment of Vicksburg became most plainly evident. The command 
was almost entirely prostrated, there being at one time only eight officers and 
twenty enlisted men fit for duty. (Scripture makes the figures even less.) 
There were many deaths. The encampment was a hospital filled with the 
sick and dying." Later, it was stationed most of the time at Brownsville, 
Texas, and the neighborhood of New Orleans, La., till in December, 1864, it 
ceased to exist as a regiment, and the survivors were transferred to the Thirty- 
fourth Iowa. 

Mr. IngersoU further says: ''The History of the Thirty-eighth is the 
saddest of all our regriments. It had not been in the service two years when 
more than throe hundred of its enlisted men and a number of (>tli<-ers iuid 
die«l of disease. More than a hundred men and a score of officers during the 
?ame period had been discharged on account of ill health. There were long, 
weary weeks when there were not enough well men to take care of the eick, 



ii 



and not even enough to hury the dead. After so many had passed through the 
valley of the shadow of death the organization itself was given up. 

"Yet the Thirty-eighth was composed of as gallant men as any who went to 
the wars. If the regiment did not have an opportunity to achieve brilliant 
renown in the field, it did have an opportunity to fulfill a no less honored 
destiny than many whose banners were covered with the names of battles. 
It did all that men could do. It gave itself entirely up for the good of the 
service and is fairly entitled to the honor of being called our 'Martyr Regi- 
ment' ". 

As a member of the Thirty-fourth Scripture did efficient service in 
numerous and widely scattered fields, 

CHARLES O. SMITH 

Eighteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company K; 
mustered in March 20, 1865; mustered out May 6, 1865. En- 
listed from Nelson. 

JAMES E. SMITH 

Fifth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
mustered in August 11, 1864; mustered out June 28, 1865. 
Enlisted from Nelson. 

NATHANIEL SMITH 

Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company C; 
enlisted September 13, 1862; mustered in October 18, 1862; 
died of disease June 21, 1863, at New Orleans, La. Born in 

Nelson. 

JOHN STEVENS 

First Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
mustered in May 3, 1861; mustered out August 9, 1861; re- 
enlisted in Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Com- 
pany E ; mustered in November 28, 1861 ; killed at Second 
Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862. Enlisted from Nelson. 

Captain Lyman Jackman, historian of the Sixth Regiment, thus describes 
the death of Corporal Stevens: "Sergeant G. W. Craig, color-bearer, was 
killed early in the fight, and as he fell, one of the corporals of the color-guard 
seized the colors and carried them a few minutes, when he, too, was shot 
down. Then John Stevens, another corporal of the color-guard, took them, 
and having carried them a short distance, fell, wounded. He was, however, 
up again in a moment, bearing them bravely forward until another shot laid 
him low. Even then he continued to hold up the 'old flag,' and would not let 
it go down, although he knew he had received his death wound and felt his 
young life to be fast ebbing away. Sergeant J. A. George then took the colors 
and we passed on. Colonel Griffin, on looking back, saw Corporal Stevens 
braced against a tree, painfully loading his musket, and bound to give the 
rebels one more shot before he died. That was the last we ever saw of the 
brave and noble John Stevens. He belonged to Company E, and enlisted 
from Nelson. Like hundreds of other noble sons of New Hampshire, he 

42 



sleeps in an unknown grave. At the close of the fight Colonel Griffin brought 
off the colors, or what was left of them, for they were badly riddled by shot." 
As to the Battle of Second Bull Run see also the other John Stevens, 
George W. Osgood and Charles A. Howard. 

JOHN STEVENS 

Sixth I^giment New Hampshire Infantry, Company K; en- 
listed November 2G, 1801 ; mustered in December 3, 1861 ; ap- 
pointed Corporal; discharged for disability at Providence, 
R. I., March 22, 1863; re-enlisted in First Regiment New 
Hampshire Cavalry March 29, 1865, for one year; mustered 
out May 6, 1865. A resident of Nelson, after the war, for 
many years. 

He was one of six brothers, sons of Captain Henry Stevens, of Stoddard, 
who made a record of patriotism hard to equal. Sergeant Charles S., Ninth 
New Hampshire, Company E, was wounded at the Wilderness and captured 
at Spottsylvania. Henry H., Eighteenth New Hampshire, Company I, died 
in the service of disease. Daniel W., Sixth New Hampshire, Company F, was 
shot through the mouth at Petersburg. George W., Sixth New Hampshire, 
Company K, was severely wounded at Second Bull Run, and Anthony C, 
Nintli New Hampshire. Company E, was killed at Fredericksburg. 

John was one of the original members of the Sixth, enlisting at the age 
of nineteen. The regiment was organized in Keene, and left for Washington 
on Christmas Day, 1861. There it was armed with what was known as the 
Austrian rifle, a muzzle-loading, long-barrelled, heavy piece, with a three- 
cornered bayonet. Its first great battle was Second Bull Run, August 29, 
1862. The following description of it, extracted from the report of the Ad- 
jutant-General of New Hampshire, will aid in an understanding of Stevens' 
I^ersonal adventures: 

'*At three o'clock on the afternoon of that day, the first brigade of Reno's 
division was brought up and ordered to attack the enemy and drive them from 
the wootls in which they were massed. The brigade was formed with the 
Second Maryland on the right, the Sixth New Hampshire in the centre 
and the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania on the left and moved forward in line of 
battle. Immediately upon entering the woods the command was received 
with a sharp and murderous fire, under which, however, the Sixth and the 
Second ^Marj-land i)ressed steadily forward; but the Forty-eighth Pennsyl- 
vania, instead of holding its place in line, gave ground to the right and fell 
behind the Sixth New Hampshire. The regiment, determined, if possible, 
to obey the order to 'drive the rebels from the woods,' pushed forward in 
the most resolute and gallant manner, driving the enemy before them, keeping 
its line perfect, advancing promptly at each command 'forward' and not a 
man leaving the ranks, not even to carry off the wounded or to care for the 
dead. It was a regiment of her(x>s that day. Crossing an old railroad cut 
and advancing from one to two hundred yards beyond, it found itself assaile<l 
on every side. The woods were very thick, and amid the smoke of battle 
nothing could be discerned beyond the distance of a few yards. Supposing 
the left to be supported and jirotectetl by others of our own trooivs, it was 

43 



believed that the fire from the left and rear must be from friends. To ascei*- 
tain the true state of the case. Colonel Griffin seized the colors and advanced 
in that direction, waving them in the air. The murderous fire with which 
he was met proved that there were no friends to the Stars and Stripes in that, 
direction. Finding his regiment would be sacrificed unless withdrawn im- 
mediately, the Colonel ordered a retreat, and brought ofi his men with all 
possible dispatch. Of four hundred and fifty officers and men who went into 
this engagement, thirty-two were killed, one hundred and ten wounded and 
sixty-eight were missing; making a total loss of two hundred and ten, or 
nearly one-half the whole number present for duty. Of the missing, nearly 
all were either killed or wounded, and the wounded were all captured, as the 
enemy occupied the ground after the fight. Of twenty officers present on that 
day, five were killed, six wounded and two captured." 

Company K, commanded by Captain Titcomb, was in the center of the 
regiment, on the right of the colors. At an early stage of the proceedings, 
Stevens saw Sergeant Clapp, standing beside Titcomb, shot through the top 
of the head by a bullet, evidently intended for the latter, coming from a rebel 
sharpshooter in a tree. Climbing the steep side of the railroad cut he ad- 
vanced steadily through the brush beyond, loading and firing until, when he 
snapped a cap his gun did not explode. The cartridge had failed to "prime", 
as frequently happened with the kind of weapon he was using. Carlos Wood, 
on his left, was just biting off a cartridge and Stevens asked him for a little 
powder, put it in the nipple and got off the shot. As he did so he heard a 
cry from Wood, and, turning, saw him toppling over and, more than that, 
falling on a pile of three other members of the company, all of whom lay 
there apparently dead. A little beyond lay Lieutenant Fuller, shot through 
the head with one eye gouged out. Turning to his right there was not a man 
in sight on the line. He had heard no command to retreat, but as there was 
no officer left to give orders, and apparently no one but himself left to fight, 
he concluded it was prudent to retire. On reaching the railroad cut he found 
it filling with men, most of whom ran along it. He, however, climbed the 
further side and went back as nearly as possible the way he had come in. 
On the edge of the woods he found two or three men of his company around 
his captain, who, not being a strong or a well man, was in a state of collapse. 
Gradually others gathered, but when the last man came Company K was a 
pitiful looking squad. Sized according to height, all the big men were 
gone. As was subsequently ascertained, Henry Taggart, "Abe" Shedd and 
his brother "Joe" Shedd had been killed. Albert O. Cutter had been cap- 
tured and George Stevens wounded. The company line from the right had 
been swept clean, down as far as John Stevens. 

His brother not showing up, John went in search of him and finally found 
him. Though shot through the upper part of the thigh he had managed to 
crawl out of the woods. 

Before the fighting began the regiment had unslung knapsacks and left 
them behind. The place where they lay was now exposed to heavy fire from 
the enemies' batteries, but Stevens managed to rescue both his and his brother's. 
Others were not so fortunate. 

That night what was left of the regiment was ordered to support a bat- 
tery, with which they remained during the heavy fighting of the following 

44 



day. From the liigh ground where they lay fierce charge and countercharge 
were plainly in view, and the battle was spread out like a great panorama. 

Their battery was shelled by those of the enemy, and as they lay on the 
ground a piece of shell plowed up the earth just between the heads of Stevens 
and the man next to him. 

Expecting to have to charge they piled knapsacks and blankets in the 
rear, and never had an opportunity to go back for them. Everything was 
lost, including the "housewives" which mothers, sisters and sweethearts had 
made for them, and other cherished mementos of home. 

Not until they reached Pleasant Valley, seven weeks later, were they 
again equipped. Meanwhile there was heavy marching and fighting and 
constant exposure. The clothes of all, officers as well as men, became infected 
with vermin which, as they had no change of garments and not even a 
chance to bathe, it was impossible to exterminate. 

The Sixth was under fire all day August 30th and until just before 
midnight when they marched off the field in a drenching rain. 

On September Ist they arrived at Chantilly just as the right flank of the 
Union army had broken and was falling back in confusion, and by their 
timely assistance checked the retreat and turned the tide of battle. 

At South Mountain, September 14, they were engaged again just at the 
crisis of the battle, and saw General Reno killed at the moment of victory. 

Then came the morning of the seventeenth, when began the great Battle 
of Antietam. 

The Sixth had raided a potato field and were trying to cook the somewhat 
unripe spoil in their tin cups when shells began to fall in their midst, and 
they had to fall in with no vegetables for breakfast. 

They marched in the highway, which led down a hill, and came in sight 
of Antietam Creek, where they could see other regiments trying in vain to 
cross. They stopped in a field under the enemy's fire and lay down to wait 
for orders. 

General Sturgis, who commanded their division, came along, and Colonel 
Griffin sprang up to greet him. Stevens heard Sturgis inquire where Nagle, 
the Brigade Commander, was, and Griffin said he did not know. Then he 
asked who is the senior officer and Griffin replied, "I am." There was a 
little more talk and then Sturgis said, "The only way to take that bridge is 
to charge it," and a moment later Griffin's great voice rang out "Battalion, 
attention!" 

What followed is part of the familiar history of the Battle of Antietam. 
The way those two little regiments, the Sixth New Hampshire and the Second 
Maryland, led by Griffin, charged up to and on to the bridge was one of the 
finest things that happened on that memorable day. 

They went to the bridge. On its entrance was centered the fire of the 
enemy's batteries, and their strongly entrenched infantry. For the handful 
of men that were left, to cross meant annihilation, and Griffin ordered them to 
peek cover. 

Stevens followed the Colonel over a Virginia rail fence, beside the road 
just opposite the bridge head, which offered some cover, though not much pro- 
tection, and began firing through the rails. 

45 



A man fell against him, and Stevens saw that it was his former tentmate, 
Lyman Richardson, who, as he was aiming, had received a bullet that gashed 
his arm from wrist to elbow. It was necessary to do something at once to 
prevent his bleeding to death. Neither had a bandage or even a handkerchief, 
but Stevens tore off a sleeve of a blouse and managed to bind up the wound. 

Then, as he looked around, he was startled as he had been before at Bull 
Run, to find himself alone. Everyone else had gone farther back behind a 
little knoll. 

He found a bunch of K men firing from behind an oak tree and 
joined them, and a few minutes later saw Sergeant Rand, as he took his turn, 
receive a ball in the middle of his forehead. Then, when help came, he was 
in the thick of it as the bridge was rushed, and the fight surged up the bluff 
on the other side. 

At Pleasant Valley, which they reached the latter part of the month, 
promotions were in order to fill the places of those who had been killed. 
Candidates for Corporal had a competitive examination, each being required 
to drill the company. Stevens won out, and his warrant was dated October 1, 
1862. 

The Sixth had suffered greatly from disease. At one time malignant fever 
and measles carried off sixty men in as many days ; at another "black dysentery" 
unfitted six hundred for duty; and the other disorders peculiar to camp and 
field had done their deadly work. 

Thus far Stevens had been strong and well, but on the march from 
Pleasant Valley to Fredericksburg he succumbed to enteric trouble, as sooner 
or later did practically every other member of the Army of the Potomac. 

He was sent to the hospital at Falmouth, thence to Aquia Creek, and from 
there to Portsmouth Grove, R. I., where the surgeons decided that he would 
never again be fit for duty and ordered his honorable discharge. 

As above noted, however, he re-enlisted in the First Cavalry, but the 
war ended so soon after that there was not an opportunity for active service. 

Of the six brothers who went out two had given their lives and the 
other four had gone to the limit, fighting as long as they had any strength to 
fight, without a blemish on the reputation of any one of them. 

As regards Second Bull Run, see also what is said of the other John 
Stevens, George W. Osgood and Charles A. Howard. As regards Antietam, 
see John Osgood. 

ALBERT H. TAFT 

Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; en- 
listed July 29, 1862; mustered in August 6, 1862, as Corporal; 
discharged for disability November 13, 1863; volunteered in 
order to fill the place of his brother Edward N. Taft, who was 
killed at Williamsburg. Born in Nelson. 

At the breaking out of the war he was a student at Kimball Union 
Academy, fitting for Dartmouth College. When his elder brother, Edward N., 
enlisted in the Second Regiment, Albert also tried to do so, but Captain 
Tileston A. Barker refused to take him, saying that one from a family was 
enough, and earnestly advised him to return to his studies and think no more 
about it. 

46 



Edward N. was killed at Williamsburg, May 5, 1862, the first Nelson man 
to die on the battlefield, and Captain Barker sent the news back home. IIi:i 
letter reached Nelson four days later. 

The New Hampshire Sentinel of !N[ay 29, 1862, under the heading, "A 
Patriotic Response'', stated that the following letter had been received at 
Williamsburg: 

''Nelson, May 9, 1862, Captain Barker; Dear Sir: — Today we re- 
ceived intelligence that my brother Etlward Taft had been murdered by 
the rebels. I claim the privilege of occui)ying his place in your com- 
pany. Will you not accept me? Captain, I must go. Yours, 

Albert Taft." 

Captain Barker having again advised against it, Albert then announced 
to his father his intention of enlisting in the Ninth Regiment, which was 
about being organized. Believing him physically unfit to endure the hard- 
ships of a soldier's life, his father at first refused to give his consent, but 
finally said: "If you go I shall expect you to do your duty. I would rather 
know that you had gone with your brother than that you should come back 
without an honorable record." 

The examining surgeon was reluctant to pass him, but finally he had his 
v/ay and, as Corporal, did good service at South Mountain, Antietam and 
Fredericksburg, at the same time becoming one of the most beloved men in 
the regiment. 

His health was fairly good until the great outbreak of measles in the 
spring of 1863, when he was one of the first to succumb. His recovery was 
slow and a bad cough threatened more serious trouble. 

His discharge for disability, however, was even then against his wishes, 
nnd was, in fact, forced upon him. He refused to be denied the privilege of 
serving his country further, and returned to do most efiicient work for the 
Christian Commission. 

The Ninth, though it had then been in the field less than a month, on the 
whole behaved well at the great Battle of Antietam, September 17, 1S62. After 
engagement elsewhere in the morning, it came to the Stone Bridge just about 
the time the passage was forced (see John Osgood and John Stevens), and 
followed the Sixth New Hampshire across. 

Burnside's corps, of which it was a part, fought all the afternoon on the 
bluffs beyond, and finally captureil the Heights of Sharpsburg. Then thc» 
enemy were strongly reinforced by the arrival, by way of the fords of the 
Potomac at Shepardstown, of Hill's division of Stonewall Jackson's Corps, 
who attacked on the left flank, and Burnside was driven back. Just about sun- 
down the Ninth was rushed to the assistance of a portion of their division 
who were in trouble, but failed to slcm the tide. Their regimental history 
says: "We fell back to the Creek under a perfect shower of grape and canister 
* * * few of us came over dry shod. * * * It was late at night before 
we again got organized." They were then back on the same side of the creek 
from which thej* had ritarte<1. On the ISth they were moved about to various 
positions, and on the lyth marched several miles toward Han>er's Ferry. Mean- 
while the enemy crossed the Potomac at Shepardstown and made their escape. 

47 



The battle line was about ten miles long, and ran through countrj' much 
of which was rough and wooded. 

It is necessary to bear these details in mind to understand Taft's per- 
sonal adventures. Owing to the darkness and confusion, and perhaps as much 
as anything, to the fact that from lack of sleep and food joined with physical 
exertion beyond his strength, he was nearly in a state of collapse, he failed 
to retreat when the others did, and was left stranded somewhere on the 
wooded heights, at best between the opposing forces, and quite likely within 
the lines of the enemy. 

Little expecting that any eye but his would ever see it, he wrote the follow- 
ing in his diary. The first paragraph was evidently written just before the 
battle opened, and the rest later. 

"Sept. 17, 1862. Laid on our arms all night. The enemy opened on 
us early this morning with their batteries. Ours have pretty much 
silenced them now. We expect warm work before night. 

We HAVE had warm work today and enough of it, too. I have not 
heard from my people for a long time. Wish I could hear from Hardy. 
Don't know how sick he is. They cannot hear from me at present. I 
am now away from our regiment. When we broke I got separated, and 
soon after fell in with two of our company, Davis and O'Reilly. We 
are lost, sure. 

Sept. 18. Feel somewhat the worse for wear. Got exhausted in our 
retreat. Forded the creek and slept in my wet clothes. Dragged out 
a few miles. Learned nothing of our regiment yet. Camped in the 
woods. Quite rainy. Feel pretty well v^ed up. Don't know, but I will 
be sick yet. 

Sept. 19. Stayed in the woods all day. Went out just at night. 
Bought some bread. Feel a little better. Pretty weak. The rebels 
have crossed the river. Our army is on the move. Have heard nothing 
of our regiment yet. 

Sept. 20. Started to find our regiment this morning. Moved up the 
creek as far as the bridge. How different from the first time ive passed. 
Then the air was full of spiteful bullets and noble men were falling all 
about us. Now all is calm. Occasionally a squad of straggling soldiers 
like ourselves passes. The curious and the relic hunters, with now and 
then individuals of a more economical turn, are searching the woods and 
fields. Often we pass groups of mounds that mark the spot where the 
firing was sharpest, and the brave were slain. We noticed three graves 
side by side with boards erected at their head, bearing the names of three 
of our boys. Poor fellows. They have passed through their earthly 
campaign and have nothing more to fear. Death has freed them from 
the sad scenes which we noio behold. Many of the enemies' dead are 
not yet buried. Dead horses, guns, equipment and clothing are scat- 
tered about promiscuously. After viewing these scenes till we were sad 
and heartsick, we moved on in the direction of our regiment. Came into 
camp just at dark." 

48 



"Sept. 21. A beautiful Sabbath. Attended divine services in the 
morning. In the evening we had a very interesting prayer meeting. 
I never felt the worth of religion like I do now. What else can afford 
a soldier comfort and consolation." 

The same diary contains this laconic account of the battle of Fredericks- 
burg (see William B. Robbins and Amos A. Wyman) : 

"December IS, 1862. After breakfast, hauled alongside the river 
and waited till about two o'clock. Then filed up through the cross 
streets by company and formed in line of battle in the field back of 
the city. Marched in under a dreadful fire. Fought till dark and re- 
turned to the city." 

Being of a deeply sympathetic nature, Taft frequently visited the hos- 
pitals trying to alleviate the suffering of their inmates. Among others, his 
diary has this entry: 

"October 28, 1862. Called at the hospital. Oh, 'tis cruel to treat 
sick men so. There found Braman ^Yilson, but just alive. Poor 
fellow. He will soon be at rest." 

On December 23, 1862, he wrote: 

"Passed by the hospital tents. Enough to sicken one of war." 
(See Amos A. "Wyman and Minot R. Phillips.) 

On January 7, 1863, he was himself carried to those same tents. He 
met there Sergeant (afterwards Captain) Oscar D. Robinson, of his com- 
pany, who pays this tribute to him: 

"Comrade Taft was patriotic to tlie very core, and, tho his health was 
not robust, he performed excellent service during the severe campaign which 
included the battles of South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg, in all 
of which battles he bravely participated. His unfailing good nature and 
quaint humor made him popular with all his comrades of Company E, and 
no one ever had a harsh word or a criticism for 'Corporal Taft.' Soon after 
the battle of Fredericksburg he fell ill of the measles, as did many others 
of the regiment. Hospital accommodations were most wretched and fever 
patients, pneumonia and measle patients were crowded together in the same 
tent, with only a few pine boughs between them and the Virginia mud on 
which they lay as closely as they could be placed. I was myself lying sick 
unto death of fever and unable to raise my head, but when I saw by the light 
of the smoky lantern Comrade Taft brought in in a blanket one night by 
four men and dumped down in the charnel tent, I instantly felt a sense 
of relief, tho why I cannot tell, unless I felt tliat his presence would make 
the horrid place a little less horrid. Many died from cold, exposure and lack 
of care, but Corporal Taft's optimism and cheerful disposition carrie<l him 
safely through, and he soon returned convnlcscent to his company tent. 

No circumstance could be so discouraging or so gloomy that Taft would 
not afford some relief by a gonial word, a poniicnl remark or a kind act. 

49 



When the Ninth Corps was ordered to Newport News, about March, 1863, 
Corporal Taft with many other convalescents was sent to the General Hos- 
pital at Washington. I think he never returned to the regiment, tho he 
performed camp and guard duty at Concord, N. H., for some time before his 
discharge. 

He was a good soldier, and had his health been equal to the hardships 
of the service he would undoubtedly have received promotion through the 
various non-commissioned grades to that of a commissioned officer. 

As a student, Mr. Taft was talented, witty and companionable, and a gen- 
eral favorite with his schoolmates, and especially with his classmates." 

EDWARD N. TAFT 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company A; 
enlisted April 25, 1861, for three months; not mustered in, 
paid by State; re-enlisted May 22, 1861, for three years; 
mustered in May 31, 1861 ; killed at Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 
1862. Born in Nelson. 

He was the first Nelson man killed in action. Writing to Taft's father 
to inform him of the event, Tileston A. Barker, Captain of his company, 
said: "He was a noble man, a good soldier and fought bravely to the last." 
See Albert H. Taft and Charles A. Howard. 

<^HARLES A. TARBOX 

Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted September 12, 1862; mustered in October 24, 1862; 
mustered out August 20, 1863; enlisted from Nelson. Also, 
December 10, 1864; paid $300 to secure the enlistment in 
Nelson's quota of John Kelly of Norwalk, Conn. 

The call for three hundred thousand nine-months' men came at the 
■darkest hour of the war. Nelson was already mourning her dead. Her 
wounded and her sick were in many a hospital, and wrecks of humanity had 
returned to tell their tales of suffering. No more enlistments were to be 
had from youthful enthusiasm and love of adventure. The only appeals 
that met with response were those made to pure patriotism and sober sense 
of duty. 

Nine men were needed to fill the town's quota and save a draft. Ten 
volunteered, viz. : G. Washington Bancroft, Daniel O. Beverstock, Jeremiah 
Foster, Frank B. Hardy, George G. Hardy, Hiram Holt, George S. Petts, 
Joseph M. Richardson, Charles A. Tarbox and Orson C. Tolman. All were 
from highly respected families, — the very best of Nelson's citizens. Seven 
were married (all except Bancroft, Beverstock and Tolman), and three, 
Foster, Holt and George Hardy, were over military age. Holt was rejected 
by the examining surgeon. All the others enlisted in Company G, where they 
found still another who was Nelson born, Albert A. Buxton. 

The first detachment of the regiment, including all the Nelson men, 
except Tolman, left New York Harbor the first week in December, 1862, for 
•an unknown destination. They subsequently found that they were part of the 
■army of General N. P. Banks, intended for service along the Mississippi River 
in Louisiana. On December 20th they reached New Orleans, and were sta- 

50 



tioned seven miles from there at Camp Parapet. Here, on January 1, 18G3, 
they welcomed Tolman, who had coino on a second transport. After several 
changes of position in that neighborhood, on March 5, 1863, tiny moved 
up the river to Baton Itoiige, and took part in active operations, lasting 
about six weeks, involving long and exhausting marches in a difficult country 
under weather conditions most unfavorable. On March 17th occurred what 
is known in the annals of the regiment as "The Great Mud ^March," much of 
the way through tangled woods and flooded lowlands, ranking well with some 
of the most famous forced marches of the Army of the Potomac, and, a few 
days later, they were moved almost continuously for about twenty hours. 

On April 18th they embarked to co-operate in an attack on Fort Burton, 
situated at Butte a la Rose on the Atchafalaya River, at a confluence of 
Bayous, about seventy-five miles above Breshear. The fort was captured on 
April 20th and then, for another six weeks, the regiment remained there 
surrounded by dense forests aud impenetrable swamps. 

A more pestilential location for anyone could hardly be imagined, and it 
was particularly dangerous for the unacclimated men of the Northern hills, 
already weakened by heavy camjiaigning. The whole regiment became ill 
and. though only three died there, the seeds were planted for the disaster 
that followed. 

The waters in the bayous and pools commenced to dry up, uncovering 
to a tropical sun decayed vegetable matter, from which arose a stench almost 
insufferable. Disease took many and hideous forms. 8ome became covered 
with burning and painful eruptions; some were yellow as saffron; some were 
shaking with ague, and others bloated with dropsy. Some of the strongest 
who still remained on duty, speedily shrank to half their normal weight. 
Furthermore, during most of this period, they had no surgeon or other 
professional medical attendant, and consequently were obliged to care for 
themselves as best they could. 

As a result of the sanguinary battle before Port Ihulson, on May 27th, the 
Department Commander was compelled to call to his support every available 
Union soldier in Louisiana, and on ^Alay 30th orders came to abandon Butte 
a la Rose. This was done only barely in time to avoid capture by the ad- 
vancing enemy. 

Cicorge G. Hardy and Orson C. Tolman were then in a very bad condition, 
and Tarbox was detailed by the Colonel to take care of them. lie helped them 
on to the boat, and at Brashear they were put ashore and lat<?r forwarded to 
New Orleans, where, subsequently. Ilardy died and Tolman was discharged 
for physical disability. 

The rest of the Nelson men went on by rail a.s far as Algiers, where 
another stop was made to dispose of the sick, and Frank B. Hardy, Petts, 
Beverstock and Richardson were left behind. Of the original nine, only 
Tarbox and Bancroft were left to continue the journey to Port Hudson. 

Taking boat again they went on and disembarked at Springfield Landing. 
Here a courier met them with orders to procee«l to the headquarters of (ien- 
«ral Banks instead of to the trenches. This wa.s due to a telegram to Banks 
from General W. H. Emerv, commanding the defense's of New Orleans, to 
the effect that "The Sixteenth New Hami«hire can at best muster for sen'icc 
only a few skeletons.'' 

61 



From the entire regiment there were then left about two hundred men. 
They were assigned to guard duty over the arsenal of the besieging army. A 
detail, one of whom was Tarbox, was made to take prisoners back to NeW' 
Orleans, but this reduction was not as great as that caused by new prostra- 
tions from disease. On the morning of June 7th, a week after their arrival, 
they could only muster seventy-five fit for duty. There were daily deaths 
and one day six were buried. Some attempting to walk to the surgeon's tent 
fell dead in their tracks, and others died in their tents, unattended and with- 
out uttering a groan. The Regimental History has the following account' 
of the condition of aflFairs that speedily developed: "At last we were per- 
mitted to come out of those terrible swamps upon a fair field and, with an 
enthusiasm which I have never seen equalled, our boys took their place in line 
and fairly courted a soldier's death. But it was too late. The fatal poison 
had done its work. Daily and hourly our men sickened and died. Every 
morning they were found dead in their blankets. At roll call while answer- 
ing feebly to their names they would fall down and die in their tracks. 
Time and again I saw them all accoutred for battle, with eyes to the front 
and muskets in hand, stagger and sink to the ground where they had been 
standing, as dead as if shot in their tracks. Once when a funeral squad had 
fired the last volley over the grave of a comrade one of the squad moved for- 
ward, sank upon the fresh mound of his dead comrade and breathed his last. 
Another grave was hastily dug, another volley fired, and that comrade was 
covered from sight." 

Into this scene of misery now came Beverstock and Eichardson slightly 
improved from their short stay in hospital. 

On July 2nd what was left of Company G, including Tarbox, Richardson 
and Beverstock, were part of the provost-guard on duty at Springfield Land- 
ing, which was the depot of supplies for the whole army. A detachment of 
the One Hundred and Sixty-second New York, on the picket line, mistook a 
regiment of Texas "Bushwhackers" for Federal Cavalry, allowed them to 
pass and suddenly the provost-guard were surrounded. When, after a brisk 
fight, the enemy were driven off, they took with them about twenty-five 
prisoners, one of whom was Tarbox, marched them five or six miles, robbed 
them of what they had of value and then let them go. 

Port Hudson surrendered on July Sth, and the Sixteenth entered it on 
July 10th. 

Later in the month Frank B. Hardy and Petts, who, after being for a 
time in hospital in New Orleans, had been sent to Key West as guard over 
captured rebel officers, rejoined their comrades, and on August 1st the regi- 
ment was gathered together and started up the river by boat bound for home. 

At almost every stopping place between Port Hudson, La., and Cairo, 111., 
for example, at Naches, Vicksburg, Helena and Memphis, the dead were 
buried and the sick put ashore. 

At Vicksburg, Tarbox helped into the hospital Bancroft, whose parting 
words were, "Tell the folks I shall be home soon." He died there a few 
days later. 

At Cairo they changed to train, and at almost every city a detail went 
to cemetery and hospital. 



Petts was left at Mound City, 111. Beverstock was very sick, but managed 
to last till he could enter a hosi)ital at Concord. 

In the Regimental History, it is truly said: 

"Our dead lie buried from Port Hudson to Cairo — nay in the soil of 
every State from Louisiana to New Hampshire they sleep their last sleep." 

When they arrived at Concord the only ones loft able to visit Nelson on 
a six days' furlough prior to muster out were Foster, Frank B. Hardy, Rich- 
ardson and Tarbox. 

According to the records of the Adjutant-General, notwithstanding the 
great number discharged for physical disability, the number of dead, from 
disease, prior to muster out, was two hundred and ten. Within a few months 
afterwards there were many more, estimated by some as high as one hundred. 
Comparatively few came back without permanent impairment of health. 

The death rate can only be appreciated when it is compared with that of 
other regiments. For example, among the original members of the Second 
New Hampshire, in three years of service there were seventy-five deaths from 
disease, and in the Third New Hampshire only seventy-four. These regiments 
were each larger than the Sixteenth. Considering time of service, the rate 
of the Sixteenth was nearly ten times that of the Second or Third. 

There was notliing equal to it among the other New Hampshire regiments, 
but there were similar tragedies in the service. See, for example, the account 
of the Thirty-eighth Iowa, to which George G. Scripture belonged. 

JAMES K. P. TAYLOR 

One Hundred and Eighth Regiment New York Infantry, Com- 
pany A; enlisted July 19, 1862; appointed Sergeant; in en- 
gagements at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg, Morton's Ford, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsyl- 
vania, Totopotomy Creek, Jones House Creek, Cold Harbor, 
First Hatchers Run, Second Hatchers Run, High Bridge and 
Farmsville; also at Lee's surrender; wounded at Gettysburg 
July 3, 1863; again at Laurel Hill on May 10, 1864; and a 
third time, seriously, by a minie ball in left shoulder at 
Cold Harbor June 3, 1864; rejoined re^ment before Peters- 
burg in September, 1864; mustered out May 28, 1865. Bom 
in Nelson. 

FRANK THURSTON 

Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; en- 
listed December 26, 1863; transferred to Company E, Sixth 
New Hampshire Infantry, June 1, 1865; appointed Corporal 
July 1, 1865; mustered out July 17, 1865. A resident of Nelson 
after the war. 

The History of the Ninth Regiment at page 519 says: 
"Nothing was seen or heard of the enemy (August 19, 1864), except that 
Private Frank Thurston, of Company E, who had been doing picket duty 
during the niglit, captured two stragglers from the enemy's line. Thurston, 
who was barely sixt^-on years old, had enliste<l from Poterboro in the latter 
part of December, 1863, and being a bravo, manly little fellow, had become very 

53 



popular with his comrades. He heard a rustling in the bushes, boldly chal- 
lenged the intruder and found that it was a couple of confederate stragglers- 
He ordered them to throw down their arms and marched his prisoners in 
triumph to the corporal of the guard." 

ORSON C. TOLMAN 

Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; 
enlisted October 6, 1862; mustered in October 24, 1862; dis- 
charged for disability at New Orleans, La., July 13, 1863. 
Born in Nelson. (See Charles A. Tarbox.) 

GEORGE L. TRAXLER 

Forty-eighth Regiment Ohio Infantry, Company G ; enlisted 
October 24, 1861; in engagements at Shilo April 6 and 7, 
1862; siege of Corinth, Miss., from April 29 to May 29, 1862; 
Chickasaw BluflFs, Miss., December, 1862; Arkansas Post, 
Miss., January 11, 1863; Port Gibson, Miss., May 1, 1863; 
Champion Hills, Miss., May 16, 1863; Black River Bridge, 
Miss., May 17, 1863 ; assault and siege of Vicksburg May 18 
to July 4, 1863; Jackson, Miss., July 7, 1863; Mansfield, La., 
April 6, 1864; siege of Blakely, Ala., April 2-9, 1864; mustered 
out May 9, 1866. A resident of Nelson after the war. 

WILLIAM ORVILLE UPTON 

First Regiment New Hampshire Cavalry, Company A; en- 
listed March 6, 1865, for three years; mustered out July 15, 
1865, on account of the end of the war. A resident of Nelson 
for many years after the war. 

HARLAN P. WARDWELL 

First Regiment Massachusetts Cavalry, Company F; mus- 
tered in August 14, 1862; discharged on expiration of term of 
service, November 7, 1864. A resident of Nelson before the 
war. 

WardwelFs company, being one of unusual excellence, was, soon after its 
enlistment, detailed as personal escort and bodyguard of Major-General Fitz 
John Porter, then commanding the Fifth Army Corps. They seem to have 
remained with him continuously until November 13, 1862, when they were 
transferred to perform similar duty for Major-General Joseph Hooker (Fight- 
ing Joe), with whom they remained until February 26, 1863. During a portion 
of this time Hooker commanded the Fifth Corps, and after January 20, 1863, 
was Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Potomac. 

In August, 1863, Wardwell was detailed to headquarters, in the transpor- 
tation department, with the title of "Brigade Wagoner," and remained in 
such service until August 31, 1864. 

LYMAN E. WARDWELL 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company H; 
enlisted September 6, 1861; mustered in September 17, 1861; 
appointed Corporal June 1, 1863; captured July 2, 1863, at 

54 



the Battle of Gettysburg, Pa.; exchanged; mustered out Sep- 
tember 16, 1864. Enlisted from Nelson. 

After capature at Gettysburg Corporal WardwoU was marched to Rich- 
mond, at a speed up to the limit of human endurance, and imprisoned at 
Belle Isle for about six months. In the reports of the battle he was in the 
list of missing and not till after Thanksgiving did his relatives know of his 
whereabouts. From a weight of one hundred and eighty pounds he was 
stan-ed down to ninety-five, and also suffered from scurvy and became so 
weak he could not stand. Following the usual policy, he was selected for 
exchange on the theory that he was about to die, and therefore would be of 
no further use to the Northern cause. He was dragged by the heels on to the 
boat that was to take him to Annapolis, and not till he had h>een there some 
days did he care much whether he lived or not. His recovery was slow and 
he never could do any more regular duty, but was detailed to the kitchen of 
the hospital until his time expired. 

OLIN N. WARDWELL 

First Regiment New Hampshire Cavalry, Cnmi)any F; 
enlisted March 8, 1865, for one year; mustered out July 15, 
1865, on account of end of war. Born in Nelson. 

Young OHn was sorely disappointed that Lee's surrender compelled him 
to sheathe his sword so soon after he first drew it. He had been anxious to 
got into the war ever since it started, especially after his older brothers Harlan 
and Lyman went to the front, but one thing or another had prevented. The 
principal cause of delay was perhaps the fact that he was only twelve years 
old when Sumter was fired on, — having been born May 16, 1848, the day the 
first train of cars ran into Keene. 

No one would pay any attention to his aspirations until the fall of 1864 
when he offered his services to Darius Farwell. First Selectman of Nelson, and 
the latter agreed to consider the matter. However, on Farwell's calling 
on Wardwoll's stepfather, Gen. Samuel Griffin, to see what he thought about 
it. he found the boy just coming down with typhoid fever, which rendered 
him helpless for the next two months. Finally, the following March, at the 
mature age of sixteen, he accomplished his purpose, — and then the war ended 
in Ajiril. 

geor(;e w. warren 

Sixth Regiment New Hampshire infantry, « (inipany K; en- 
listed November 11. 1861; mustered in November 28, 1861; 
died in service of disease at Saterlee General Hospital, Phil- 
adelphia, Pa., January 2, 1862. A resident of Nelson before 
the war, and includfd in town's quota. 

FIJAXCIS WELLES 

Twenty-fifth Regiment Connecticut Infantry, Company H; 
mustered in Aug\ist 30. 1862; honorably discharginl August 
26. ist'i.l. A resilient of Nelson for many years after the 
war. 

55 



SAMUEL B. WESTON 

First Eegiment New England Cavalry, Company M; mus- 
tered in December 24, 1861; promoted Sergeant; promoted 
First Sergeant; wounded January 18, 1863, near Middleburgh, 
Va.; discharged for disability January 22, 1864. A resident 
of Nelson before the war, and included in town's quota. 

EDWAED H. WETHERBEE 

Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company B; 
enlisted December 8, 1863; mustered out July 8, 1865. Born 
in Nelson. 

VIRGIL L WHEELER 

Eleventh Regiment Infantry, U. S. Regular Army, Company 
B; enlisted September 3, 1861; died September 22, 1862, near 
Sharpsburg, Md., of wounds received in the action at the ford 
of the Potomac near Shepardstown, W. Va., September 20, 
1862. Born in Nelson. 

AUGUSTUS C. WHITE 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company K; 
enlisted December 8, 1863; mustered out May 22, 1865. Born 
in Nelson. 

GILMAN E. WHITE 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company A; 
enlisted May 22, 1861; mustered in May 31, 1861; died in 
the service of disease at Jersey City, N. J., February 20, 
1862. Born in Nelson. 

GEORGE T. WHITNEY 

Thirty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company F; 
mustered in August 19, 1862; died in the service of disease 
at Annapolis, Md., March 12, 1865. Born in Nelson. 

LEONARD F. WHITNEY 

Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company D; 
enlisted March 9, 1865, for one year; mustered out July 8, 
1865. Born in Nelson. A brother of George T. Whitney and 
a tent mate of George A. Howard. 

ARA M. WILSON 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company A; 
enlisted August 25, 1862 ; died in the service of disease at Point 
Lookout, Md., September 3, 1863. Enlisted from Nelson. 

EDWARD E. WILSON 

Second Regiment, Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, Company 
H; mustered in December 7, 1863; died a prisoner at Charles- 
ton, South Carolina, October 6, 1864. Born in Nelson. 

56 



OWEN A. WILSON 

Second Regiment, Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, Company 
H; mustered in December 7, 1863; died a prisoner at Charles- 
ton, South Carolina, October 6, 18G4. Born in Nelson. 

In "Massachusetts in the War", page 732, James L. Bowen, speaking of the 
Regiment to which the brothers Edward E. and Owen A. Wilaon belonged, 
says: 

"Companies G and H were sent to form a part of the garrison of Plymouth, 
N. C. The fate of these companies was the tragic chapter in the history of 
the regiment. At the capture of the place by the confederates on the 20th 
of April following they were made prisoners of war. Some 275 went into 
captivity, and they experienced the utmost horrors of the prison pens. Captain 
Sampson and possibly one or two others escaped, but so deadly were the 
ravages of disease, starvation and exposure that when, in the spring of 1865, 
the survivors were exchanged and returned to the regiment, only 35 came back 
of more than 270 who had been captured." 

CHARLES H. WORTH 

Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company B 
enlisted September 2, 1861; mustered in September 9, 1861 
wounded severely August 29, 1862, at Second Bull Run, Va. 
appointed Corporal May 1, 1863; killed at Gettysburg, Pa., 
July 2, 1863. Enlisted from Nelson. 

Of excellent character, pleasing personality, and military training from 
service in the regular army, he was well fitted to become an officer, and a 
commission was offered him. but unusual modesty prevented its acceptance. 

His comrades speak of him as almost an ideal soldier. (See Charles A. 
Howard and George W. Osgood.) 

AMOS A. WYMAN 

Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company I; en- 
listed July 26, 1862; mustered in August 15, 1862; woundeii 
severely at Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862; dis- 
charged on account of wounds March 19, 1863. Enlisted from 
Nelson. 

He thus tells his experiences — "I was at South Mountain 19 days after 
leaving Concord, and the first order we had was to charge bayonets. Wo 
never stopped until we reached the top. It was September 14th, 1S62. Sep- 
tember 17th was in Antietam where I saw the Lieutenant Colonel stand by 
my side, and borrow one of the private's guns to shoot a Johnny in a tree 
across the creek. He shot two and then got shot in the shoulder and had to go 
to the rear. In one charge we made, on my left side George Fox wa8 shot 
and dropped dead, the ball passing through his bowels. From there we went 
into camp at Pleasant Valley, Maryland. When we left there we went on ti 
march 26 days in succession, through Harpers Ferry and up the Potomac 
River, to where we crosseil on pontoons into Virginia, when the Johnnys 



burnt the bridge. We went the whole length of the Shenandoah Valley never 
stopping until we arrived at Fredericksburg, Virginia, and there we lay on 
cur oars for two weeks waiting for pontoons to come so we could cross the 
river. We could see the enemy fortifying day and night for two weeks. One 
day when they were putting the pontoons across the Rappahannock River 
opposite the city, the sharpshooters killed every man that showed his head, 
until our 150 pieces of artillery opposite the houses on the river, let go at 
them, when they dusted out of there mighty quick. I never heard such 
cannonading in all my life. I thought the heavens and earth were coming 
down. About dark that night we crossed the pontoons into the city and we 
were allowed no light that night. I found some dried peaches and a little 
brass kettle. The next day we were moved outside the city and came to a 
halt, so I thought it a good time to put my peaches a-stewing. I went into a 
little house on the bank of the river and got some laths that the cannonballs 
had knocked off, and I had just stepped out of the house when another cannon- 
ball went crashing through. You ought to have seen the soldiers hustle out 
of that house. I then put my peaches to cooking and had just got them done 
and had a good meal of peaches and hard tack when the order came to fall in. 
We marched a little way and stood in line of battle with the Colonel in front 
of his regiment with sword drawn to charge up to the front. The aides came 
galloping down and told the Colonel, Tor God's sake, make. your men lie 
down'. Then came the order to charge up to the stone wall on the heights. 
When about half way up, there was so much shot and shell in the air, that 
a piece of shell struck my bayonet in my belt and broke it, and drove a piece 
two inches long into my thigh. At the same time it made a hole in my 
overcoat about fifteen inches across. I could stand only with the aid of my 
gun until some little time after, when three of my company discovered my 
situation and came and cut my belt and threw my gun away. I told them 1 
wanted them (belt and gun) with me, but they said I would not want them 
any more. Then they took me and carried me into a freight house back of 
the city, which was the worst sight I ever witnessed. The ambulances were 
carrying the wounded off the field all night, and what they didn't get off the 
field froze in the mud. I don't remember whether it was the next night or 
the night after that I was carried across the river on a board, and then the 
ambulance took me to Aquia Creek, where we lay on the ground two weeks. 
There two large surgeons got on to me and held me while they lanced my 
wound and then took a pair of shears and cut the flesh till they found the 
bayonet piece, and then they pulled it out. I lay in the water in my tent two 
hours one night and caught cold, so I spit blood six weeks after going to the 
Lincoln Hospital. As soon as they got the wounded out of the city the troops 
got out of there mighty quick. I kept running down at the Hospital, so they 
sent for my father to come after me, and he stayed with me two weeks before 
he could get me so I could sit up, and then he got me home, but I didn't 
think I could live any time, but here I am a Tax Collector at Hillsboro, 
N. H., for the last 14 years. I shall be 75 years old the 20th of April next. 
I was at South Mountain, Antietam, "WTiite Sulphur Springs and Fredericks- 
burg." 

As to the Fredericksburg battle see William B. Robbins. As to the hos- 
pitals see Minot R. Phillips and Albert H. Taft. 

56 



^lAXLY R. YARDLEY 

First Rogiment New Hampshire CJavalry, Company K; enlisted 
and mustered in February 23, 18C4; wounded at White Oak 
Swamp, Va., June 13, 1864; appointed Bugler January 1, 1865; 
mustered out July 16, 1865. Bom in Nelson. 

Young- Yardley, a well grown, high spirited lad, not being able to obtain 
his parents' consent, ran away and enlisted at the age of fifteen, making an 
excellent soldier. 

His wound at White Oak Swamp was a quite serious one in the left arm, 
disabling him for a month. Later he had two horses shot under him and 
was slightly wounde«l in the right leg. His narrowest escape was in June, 
1865, at Leesburg, Md., when a member of a detail of thirty men looking up 
government horses. As they passed through the village, the Captain dropped 
behind to speak to a citizen, and Yardley as bugler waited for him. Just 
then a guerrilla came out of an alley and emptied a revolver at the latter 
from a distance of only a few yards. Of the six shots one hit his horse, one 
lodged in the blankets under the saddle, one went through his hat, anothei 
through his collar, and the other two barelj' missed. When the outlaw was 
captured, after a pursuit of about two miles, the Captain said that if they 
forwarded him to Washington it would be a case for hanging, or a firing 
squad, and suggested that Yardley finish him then and there. The latter, 
however, declined as it set'med too much like murder. 



GENERAL OFFICER 

SIMON GOODELL GRIFFIX 



FIRST NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY 

EDWIN P. HUNT, Company G. 
JOSIAII RUFFLE, Company G. 

See Second New Hampshire Infantry and Regular Army. 
JOHN STEVENS, Company G. 

See Sixth New Hampshire Infantry. 



SECOND NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY 

RUFUS ATWOOD, Company A. 

SILAS L. BLACK, Company A. 

JAMES W. FELT, Company A and Company G. 

SUMNER P. FISHER, Company B. 

SIMON GOODELL GRIFFIN, Company B. 

See Sixth New Hampshire Infantry. 
CHARLES A. HOWARD, Company B. 
HOSEA B. MOULTON, Company B. 
PHINEAS A. PARKER, Company D. 
EDWIN RICHARDSON, Company B. 
JAItlES F. RICHARDSON, Company G. 
LEONARD E. ROBBINS, Company G. 
JOSIAH RUFFLE, Company A. 

See First New Hampshire Infantry and Fourth Artillery, 
Regular Army. 
EDWARD N. TAFT, Company A. 
LYMAN E. WARDWELL, Company H. 
AUGUSTUS C. WHITE, Company K. 
OILMAN E. WHITE, Company A. 
ARA M. WILSON, Company A. 
CHARLES H. WORTH, Company B. 

****** 

THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY 

EDWARD B. HOLT, Company E. 
MARQUIS L. HOLT, Company E. 
ALPHONSO E. OSBORN, Company L 
ABNER W. OSGOOD, Company E. 



FOURTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY 
DAVID C. OWEN, Company C. 



FIFTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY 

JAMES E. SMITH, Company G. 



SIXTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY 

SYLVESTER C. ABBOTT, Company E. 
ELLIOT J. BLODGETT, Company E. 
HENRY L. BLODGETT, Company E. 
FALIS IL CASTINE, Company E. 
ALBERT CRAM, Company L 

See Ninth New Hampshire Infantry and Sixteenth New 
Hampshire Infantry. 
JOHN A. CUMMINGS, Company E. 

See First New Hampshire Cavalry. 
HENRY C. FLAGG, Company G. 
CHARLES F. GIBSON, Company K. 
SIMON GOODELL GRIFFIN, Lieut.-Col. and Col. 

See Second New Hampshire Infantry, 
HARLAN P. IvNIGHT, Company E. 
SAMUEL G. KNIGHT, Company E. 
GEORGE W. OSGOOD, Company K. 
JOHN OSGOOD, Company K. 
JOHN STEVENS, Company E. 

See First New Hampshire Infantry. 
JOHN STEVENS, Company K. 

See First New Hampshire Cavalry. 
FRANK THURSTON, Company E. 

See Ninth New Hampshire Infantry. 
GEORGE W. WARREN. Company E. 
****** 
NINTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY 

VARAN ES C. ATWOOD, Company G. 
SAMUEL OSCAR BROWN, Company G. 
ALBERT CRAM. Company I. 

See Sixteenth New Hampshire Infantry and Sixth New 
Hampshire Infantry. 
J. FRANK FOSTER. Company L 
PARKER HART. Company L 
CLEMENT S. HOLT. Company G. 
SYLVANUS J. KENNISTON, Company L 
FRANCIS M. LOVELAND, Companv I. 
MI NOT R. PHILLIPS. Company L 
WILLIAM U. KOHBINS. Companv G. 
ALBERT II. TAFT. Company E. 
FRANK THURSTON. Company E. 

See Sixth New Hampshire Infiintrv. 
AMOS A. WYMAN. Company I. 



61 



ELEVENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY 
HENRY D. REED, Company I. 



THIRTEENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY 



CORTIES S. OSBORN, Company G. 
DANIEL W. OSBORN, Company G. 



FOURTEENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY 

JOHN BAHAN, Company G. 
SYLVESTER BLODGETT, Company G. 
THOMAS BURNS, Company G. 
CALVIN K. DAY, Company G. 
JOHN T. FARWELL, Company G. 
GEORGE A. HOWARD, Company D. 
HENRY E. OSBORN, Company G. 
LUCIUS PARKER, Company G. 
JAMES W. RUSSELL, Companies G, E and I. 
JAMES H. SCOTT, Company G. 
EDWARD H. WETHERBEE, Company B. 
LEONARD F. WHITNEY, Company D. 



SIXTEENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY 

G. WASHINGTON BANCROFT, Company G. 
DANIEL O. BEVERSTOCK, Company G. 

See Eighteenth New Hampshire Infantry, 
ALBERT A. BUXTON, Company G. 
ALBERT CRAM, Company I. 

See Ninth New Hampshire Infantry and Sixth New 
Hampshire Infantry, 
JEREMIAH FOSTER, Company G. 
FRANK B. HARDY, Company G. 
GEORGE G. HARDY, Company G. 
GEORGE S. PETTS, Company G. 
JOSEPH M. RICHARDSON, Company G, 
HORACE W. ROBBINS, Company C. 
NATHANIEL SMTH, Company C. 
CHARLES A. TARBOX, Company G. 
ORSON C. TOLMAN, Company G. 



EIUHTEENTll SKW JlAMJ'SIlIIiE IXFANTin' 

.MILAN W. ATWOOD, Company F. 
ALFRED E. BAKROWS, Company C. 
f)AXlEL O. BEVEKSTOCK, Company F. 
Soc Sixteenth New Hampshire Infantry. 
EDWIN T. DAVIS, Company F. 
HENRY J. RISSELL (Knowlton). Company F. 
JOHN Q. LANE. Company B. 
CHARLES O. SMITH, Company K. 
NATHANIEL SMITH. Company C. 



FIBST NEW ENGLAND CAVALin' 

BENJAMIN W. BREED, Company I. 

See Veteran Reserve Corps. 
SAMUEL B. WESTON, Company M. 



FIRST NEW HAMPSHIRE CAVALRY 

GEORGE W. CUMMINGS, Company (J. 
JOHN A. CUMMINGS, Major. 

See Sixth New Hampshire Infantry. 
THOMAS J. LAIIIFF. Company A. 
HORATIO M( INTIRE, Company K. 
JOHN STEVENS. 

See Sixth New Hampshire Infantry. 
WILLIAM ORVILLE I'PTON, Compai^v 
OLIN N. WARDWELL, Company F. 
MANLY R. YARDLEY, Company K. 



FIRST NEW IIAMI'SIIIUE HEAVY ARTILLERY 
CLINTON J. PARKER. Comi.any H. 

****** 

LAFAYETTE NEW HAMPSHIRE ARTILLERY 
MARCUS M. BAILEY, Musician. 

TWENTY-FIFTH CONNECTICUT INFANTRY 
KHANCIS WELLES, ('..inpany H. 



* • 



03 



THIRTY -EIGHTH IOWA INFANTRY 

GEOKGE G. SCRIPTUEE, Company C. 



FORTY-SECOND ILLINOIS INFANTRY 

JOSIAH PARKER, Company K. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY 

ORANGE P. HARRIS, Company C. 



FIRST MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY 

HARLAN P. WARDWELL, Company F. 



SECOND MASSACHUSETTS HEAVY ARTILLERY 

EDWARD E. WILSON, Company H. 
OWEN A. WILSON, Company H. 



SECOND MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY 

GEORGE W. BUXTON, Company A. 
MALCOLM G. KITTREDGE, Company G. 



FIFTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY 

JUSTIN D. BARKER, Company I. 



JOHN NEWTON BREED, Company K. 

See Thirty-second Massachusetts Infantry. 



THIRTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY 

EDWIN L. DAVIS, Company D. 

MINOT MELVILLE KITTREDGE, Company H. 



TWENTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY 

JOSEPH N. DAY, Company G. 

See Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry. 



64 



TWExrr-sixTii Massachusetts infantry 

TIIADUErs ANGELO BARKER, Company I. 



TJUIi Tl -FO UR TU MASS A CH i SETTS INFANTRY 

JOSEPH N. DAY, Company H. 

See Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry. 



THIRTY-FIFTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY 
GEORGE T. WHITNEY, Company F. 



THIRTY-SIXTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY 

THADDEUS LISCOMB BARKER, 

Captain, ^Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel. 
GEORGE E. PLr.MMER, Company D. 



SIXTY-FIRST MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY 

MILES FARWELL, Companies D and E and Staff. 



FIRST MISSOURI MILITIA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS 
JUDSON PARKER, Company C. 



THIRTY-THIRD MISSOURI INFANTRY 

JOSEPH S. PHILLIPS, Company E. 



FORTY-NINTH NEW YORK INFANTRY 
FRANK BAKER, Company H. 



ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTH NEW YORK INFANTRY 
JAMES K. P. TAYLOR. Compiuiy A. 



65 



FORTY-EIGHTH OHIO INFANTRY 

GEORGE L. TRAXLER, Gompany C. 



FIRST UNITED STATES SHARPSHOOTERS, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS BERDAN'S SHARPSHOOTERS 

CHARLES H. NYE, Company E. 



FIRST VERMONT CAVALRY 

HENRY D. HOLMES, Companies B and F. 

****** 

NINTH VERMONT INFANTRY 

ANDREW J. REAL, Company D. 
GEORGE W. ROBBINS, Company A. 



SIXTEENTH VERMONT INFANTRY 

GRANVILLE S. DERBY, Company K. 



VETERAN RESERVE CORPS 

JOHN BAHAN. 

See Fourteenth New Hampshire Infantry. 
BENJAMIN W. BREED. 

See First New England Cavalry. 
EDWIN L. DAVIS. 

See Thirteenth Massachusetts Infantry. 
JOSEPH N. DAY. 

See Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry. 



REGULAR ARMY 

JOSIAH RUFFLE, Fourth Artillery. 

See First and Second New Hampshire Infantry. 
VIRGIL L WHEELER, Eleventh Infantry, Company B. 



66 



OFFICERS 

Mnjor-iivneraX 

SLAfOX GOODKLL GRIFFIN. 



* » 



Colonel 



Major 



THADDEUS LISCOMB BARKER. 



JOHN A. CUMMINGS. 



First Lieutenants 



MILES FARWELL 
JAMES W. FELT 
MARQriS L. HOLT 
GEORGE W. OSGOOD 
EDWIN RIGHARDSON 
JAMES W. RUSSELL. 



Second Lieutenants 



GEORCJE W. CUMMINGS 
0RAN(;E p. HARRIS 
CHARLES A. HOWARD 
HORATIO McINTIRE. 



First Sergeant 

SAMUEL B. WESTON. 



rgeants 



RUFUS ATWOOD 
FRANIv BAKER 
DANIEL O. BEVERSTOCK 
JOHN NEWTON BREED 
(IIARLES H. NYE 
ABNER W. OSGOOD 
JAMES K. P. TAYLOR. 



fiT 



Corporals 



MILAK W. AT WOOD 
VARANES C. ATWOOD 
ANDREW J. BEAL 
GEORGE W. BUXTON 
EDWIN L. DAVIS 
CALVIN K. DAY 
FRANK B. HARDY 
JOHN Q. LANE 
ALPHONSO E. OSBORN 
DANIEL W. OSBORN 
JOHN OSGOOD 
JOHN STEVENS 
ALBERT H. TAFT 
JOHN STEVENS 
FRANK THURSTON 
LYMAN E. WARDWELL 
CHARLES H. WORTH. 



68 



DIED L\ THE SERVICE 
or before reaching home 



SYLVESTER C. ABBOTT, 
MILAN W. ATWOOD, 
RUFUS AT WOOD, 
G. WASHINGTON BANCROFT, 
SILAS L. BLACK, 
ELLIOT J. BLODGETT, 
GEORGE W. BUXTON, 
GEORGE G. HARDY, 
GEORGE A. HOWARD, 
SYLVAN US J. KENNISTON, 
MALCOLM G. KITTREDGE, 
HARLAN P. KNIGHT, 
CORTIES S. OSBORN, 
ABNER W. OSGOOD, 
LUCIUS PARKER, 
JOSEPH S. PinLLIPS, 
MINOT R. PHILLIPS, 
GEORGE E. PLUMMER, 
NATHANIEL SMITH, 
JOHN STEVENS, 

edward n. taft, 
c;eor(;e w. warren, 

VIRGIL 1. WHEELER, 
GH.M.VN E. WHITE, 
GEORGE T. WHITNEY, 
ARA M. WILSON, 
EDWARD E. WILSON. 
OWEN A. WILSON, 
CHARLES H. WORTH, 



February 3, 1862. 
June 15, 1865. 
January 23, 1864. 
August 9, 1863. 
December 20, 186L 
May 30, 1864. 
August 9, 1862. 
June 21, 1863. 
July 9, 1865. 
April 28, 1864. 
May 3, 1863. 
December 26, 1862. 
October 30, 1864. 
October 10, 1862. 
Septetmber 19, 1864. 
September 17, 1863. 
January 30, 1863. 
November 16, 1863. 
June 21, 1863. 
August 29, 1862. 
March 5, 1862. 
January 2, 1862. 
September 22, 1862. 
February 20, 1862. 
March 12, 1865. 
September 3, 1863. 
October 6. 1864. 
October 6, 1864. 
July 2, 1863. 



69 



CASUALTIES IN BATTLE 



THADDEUS AXGELO BARKER, 
ELLIOT J. BLODGETT, 
BEXJAMIN W. BREED, 
GEORGE W. BUXTON, 
JOSEPH N. DAY, 
SUMNER P. EISHER, 
HENRY C. FLAGG, 
CHARLES F. GIBSON, 
HENRY D. HOLMES, 
EDWARD B. HOLT, 

CHARLES A. HOWARD, 

MALCOLM G. KITTREDGE, 
MINOT M. EITTREDGE, 
HARLAN P. KNIGHT, 
SAMUEL G. KNIGHT, 
THOMAS J. LAmrF, 
ALPHONSO E. OSBORN, 
GEORGE W. OSGOOD, 
LUCIUS PARKER, 
JOSEPH S. PHILLIPS, 
GEORGE E. PLUMMER, 

EDWIN RICHARDSON, 

GEORGE W. ROBBINS, 
LEONARD E. ROBBINS, 
JOHN STEVENS, 
EDWARD N. TAFT, 

JAMES K. P. TAYLOR, 

SAMUEL B. WESTON, 
VIRGIL I. WHEELER, 

CHARLES H. WORTH, 

AMOS A. WTTMAN, 
MANLY R. YARDLEY, 



Wilderness, Va. 

Wilderness, Va. 

Front Royal, Va. 

Cedar Mountain, Va. 

Winchester, Va. 

Cold Harbor, Va. 

Second Bull Run, Va. 

Fredericksburg, Va. 

Middle Road, Va. 

Drewrys Bluff, Va. 
( Williamsburg, Va. 
( Cold LTarbor, Va. 

Chancellorsville, Va. 

Gettysburg, Pa. 

Fredericksburg, Va. 

Wilderness, Va. 

Sycamore Church, Va. 

Deep Bottom, Va, 

Second Bull Run, Va. 

Winchester, Va. 

Helena, Ark. 

Cambells Station, Tenn. 

Oak Grove, Va. 

Gettysburg, Pa. 

Petersburg, Va. 

Chapin's Farm, Va. 

Williamsburg, Va. 

Second Bull Run, Va. 

Williamsburg, Va. 

Gettysburg, Pa. 

Laurel Hill, Va. 

Cold Harbor, Va. 

Middleburgh, Va. 

Shepardstown, W. Va. 

Second Bull Run, Va. 

Gettysburg, Pa. 

Fredericksburg, Va. 

White Oak Swamp, Va. 



PRISONERS OF WAR 



FRANK BAKER 
ANDREW J. BEAL 
SUMNER P. FISHER 
JEREMIAH F. FOSTER 

(J. Frank Foster) 
HENRY C. FLAGG 



HENRY D. HOLMES 
CHARLES A. TARBOX 
LYMAN E. WARDWELL 
EDWARD E. WILSON 
OWEN A. WILSON. 



to 



PRINCIPAL ENGAGEMENTS OF 

SECOND NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY 

ENLISTED FOR THREE YEARS 



BULL RirN". Va.. July 21. 1861. 

SIEGE OF YORKTOWN, Va., April 11 to May 4, 1862. 

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., May 5, 1862. 

Note.— Here Edward X. Taft was killed and Charles A. 
IToward and Leonard E. Rr>l)l)in.s were seriously 
wounded. 

SKIRMISH AT FAIR OAKS. Va., June 23. 1862. 
PEACH ORCHARD. Va.. June 29. 1862. 
GLENDALE, Va.. June 30, 1862. 
MALVERN HILL. Va.. July 1 to August 5. 1862. 
KETTLE RT'N. Va.. Augnist 27. 1862. 
SECOND BT'LL RUN. Va.. August 20, 1862. 
CHANTILLY, Va.. September 1, 1862. 
FREDERICKSBURG. Va.. Dec<^mber 14. 1862. 
GETTl^SRURG. Pa. (Peaeh Orchard), July 2. 1862. 

Note. — The regiment in a few hours lo.st .'54 por cent, of 
those engaged. One of the killed was Charles H. 
Worth. Edwin Richardson was wounded. Minot 
M. Kittredge and James K. P. Taylor serving in 
other regiments, were also wounded, and Lyman 
E. Wardwell was taken prisoner. 

WAPPING HEIGHTS. Va.. July 23. 1863. 
SWIFT CREEK. Va.. May 9, 1864. 
DREWRYS BLUFF. Va.. May 16. 1864. 
COLD HARBOR. Va., June 1. 9. 1864. 

Note. — Here were seriously wounded Sumner P. Fisher 
and Charles A. Howard of the Second: James 
K. P. Taylor ..f the One Hundred and Eighth 
New York was alflo wounded. 

PORT WALTHAL. Va.. June 16. 1864. 
PETERSBURG. Va.. August 18 to Septemher 1. 1864. 
RECONNOISSANCE NEAR WILLIAMSBURG ROAD. 

Va.. Octr.|)er 27. 1864. 
RICHMOND. Va.. occupation of. April 3, 1866. 

Note.— This regiment lost hy death in the servi.-.' :'.;17 



71 



PRINCIPAL ENGAGEMENTS OF 

THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY, 

ENLISTED FOR THREE YEARS 



PORT ROYAL, S. C, November 7, 1861. 

JA:MES island, S. C, June 8-15, 1862. 

SECESSIONVILLE, S. C, June 16, 1862. 

PINCKNEY ISLAND, S. C, August 21, 1862. 

POCOTALIGO, S. C, October 22, 1862. 

MORRIS ISLAND, S. C, July 10, 1863. 

FORT WAGNER, S. C, First Assault, July 11, 1863. 

FORT WAGNER, S. C, Second Assault, July IS, 1863. 

SIEGE OF FORT WAGNER, July 10-September 6, 1863. 

SIEGE OF FORT SUMTER, S. C., Sept. 7-Feb. 29, 1864. 

CHESTER STATION OR PORT WALTHAL JUNCTION, 

Va., May 9, 1864. 
DREWRYS BLUFF, Va., May 13-16, 1864. 

Note. — The gallantry of a charge made by the regiment 
was conspicuous. In twenty minutes it lost over 
200 in killed and wounded. Among them was 
Edward B. Holt. 

BERMUDA HUNDRED, May 18-June 2, 1864. 

PETERSBURG, Va., June 9, 1864. 

WIER BOTTOM CHURCH, Va., June 16, 1864. 

DEEP BOTTOM, Va., August 16, 1864. 

SIEGE OF PETERSBURG, Va., August 24-September 28, 

1864. 
NEW MARKET HEIGHTS, Va., September 29, 1864. 
Near RICHMOND, Va., October 1, 1864. 
NEW MARKET or LAUREL HILL, Va., October 7, 1864. 
DARBYTOWN ROAD, Va., October 13-27, 1864. 
FORT FISHER, N. C, January 15, 1865. 
SUGAR LOAF BATTERY, N. C, February 11, 1865. 
WILMINGTON, N. C, February 22, 1865. 

Note. — This regiment lost by death in the service 342 
men. 



72 



PRINCIPAL ENGAGEMENTS OF 

SIXTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY. 

ENLISTED FOR THREE YEARS 



CAMDEN, N. C. April 19, 1862. 

SECOND BULL RUN, Va., August 29-30, 1862. 

Note. — John Stevens was killed and George W. Osgood 
and Henry C. Flagg seriously wounded. Charles 
H. Worth of the Second Regiment was also 
wounded. 

CHANTILLY, Va., September 1, 1862. 

SOUTH MOUNTAIN, Md., September 14, 1862. 

ANTIETAM, Md., September 17. 1862. 

WHITE SUI^PHUR SPRINGS, Va., November 15, 1862. 

FREDERICKSBURG. Va., December 13, 1862. 

Note. — Harlan P. Knight and Charles F. Gibson were 
wounded, the former mortally. Amos A. Wyman 
of the Ninth Regiment was also wounded. 

SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, Miss.. June 14-July 4. 1863. 

JACKSON, Miss., July 10-16, 1863. 

WILDERNESS, Va., May 6, 1864. 

SPOTTSYI.VANIA. Va., May 8-20, 1864. 

NORTH ANNA RIVER. Va., May 23-26, 1864. 

TOTOPOTOMOY, Va., May 30-31, 1864. 

BETHESDA CHURCH. Va., June 2-3, 1864. 

COLD HARBOR. Va.. June 4-12. 1864. 

SIEGE OF PETERSBURG, Vn., June 16, 1864; April 3, 

1865. 
MINE EXPLOSION at Assault on Petersburg, Va.. July 

30. 1864. 
WELDON RAILROAD. Va.. August 20-22, 1864. 
POPLAR SPRINGS (^HT'RCH. Va.. Sept. 30-Oct. 1. 1864. 
HATCHERS RUN. Va.. October 27. 1864. 
PETERSBURG. Va.. April 1-2. 1865. 

Note. — This regiment served in 8event<»en diflFerent 
States and made a brilliant record, hardly e.x- 
ceoded by any in the service. It lost by deaths 
388 men. 



73 



PRINCIPAL EXGAGEMEXTS OF 

NINTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY, 

ENLISTED FOR THREE YEARS 



SOUTH MOUNTAIN, Md., September 14, 1862. 
ANTIETAM, Md., September 17, 1862. 
WHITE SULPHUK SPKINGS, Va., November 15, 1862. 
FREDERICKSBURG, Va., December 13, 1862. 

Note. — Here Amos A. Wyman was wounded; also 
Harlan P. Knight and Charles F. Gibson of the 
Sixth. 

SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, Miss., June 14-July 4, 1863. 

JACKSON, Miss., January 10-16, 1864. 

WILDERNESS, Va., May 6-7, 1864. 

SPOTTSYLVANIA, Va., May 10-18, 1864. 

NORTH ANNA RIVER, Va., May 24-26, 1864. 

TOTOPOTOMOY, Va., May 31-June 1, 1864. 

BETHESDA CHURCH, Va., June 2-3, 1864. 

COLD HARBOR, Va., June 5-12, 1864. 

SIEGE OF PETERSBURG, Va., June 16, 1864- April 3, 

1865. 
PETERSBURG, Va., Assault at the Shand House. June 17, 

1864. 
MINE EXPLOSION in Assault on Petersburg, Va., July 30, 

1864. 
WELDEN RAILROAD, Va., August 20, 21, 1864. 
POPLAR SPRING CHITRCH, Va., September 30-October 

1, 1864. 
HATCHERS RUN, Va., October 27, 1864. 
PETERSBURG, Va., April 1-2, 1865. 

Note. — This regiment lost by deaths in the service 386 
'nen. 



74 



PRINCIPAL ENGAGEMENTS OF 

FOURTEENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY, 

ENLISTED FOR THREE YEARS 



DEEP BOTTOM. Va.. July 27. 28, 1864. 

Companies A. B, C, D, H, I. 
WINCHESTER, Va., August 17, 1864. 

Companios E, F, (3. K. 
IIALLTOWX. Va.. August 26, 1864. 
BEKRYVILLE, Va., Sept<^mber 3. 1864. 
LOCKS FORD, Va., September 13, 1864. 
OPEQFAM or WINCHESTER, Va., September 19. 1864. 
FISHERS IHLL, Va., September 22, 1864. 
TOMS BROOK. Va.. October 9, 1864. 
STRASBURO. Va.. October 13, 1864. 
CEDAR CREEK, Va., October 19, 1864. 

Note. — This regiment made four sea voyages, travelled 
fifteen thousand miles and served in seven 
States of the Confederacy. 



PRINCIPAL ENGAGEMENTS OF 

SIXTEENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY, 

ENLISTED FOR NINE MONTHS 



PORT HUDSON, La., March 14, 1863. 

BUTTE-A-LA ROSE, La., April 20, 1863. 

SIEGE OF PORT HUDSON, La., June 3-July 9, 1863. 

Note. — This regiment went from New Hampshire to 
the pestilential swamps of Louisiana and, be- 
fore its muster out, lost over 23 per cent, by death 
from disease, and within a year after its enlist- 
ment about 300 men out of a total of 914 belonging. 
The health of all the others was seriously im- 
paired. 



PRINCIPAL ENGAGEMENTS OF 
EIGHTEENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY 



FORT STEDMAN, Va., March 25-29, 1865. 

PETERSBURG, Va., April 2, 1865. 

CAPTURE OF PETERSBURG, Va., April 3, 1865. 



THE yrAR-SPANGLED BANNER. 

O say, can you set-, by tlw ilawn's early li^lit, 

What so proudly we haiK-d at the twilight's last ^learning? 
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight. 
O'er the ramparts wc watched were so gallantly streaming! 
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air. 
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; 
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? 

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep. 

Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes. 

What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep. 

As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses? 

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's faint beam, 

In full glory reflected now shines on the stream ; 

'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

And where is the band who so vauntingly swore 

That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, 

A home and a country should leave us no more? 

Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps pollution. 

No refuge could save the hireling and slave 

From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave. 

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand 

Between their loved homes and the war's desolation! 

Blest with victorj- and peace, may the heaven rescued land. 

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. 

Then conquer we must for our cause it is just. 

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust", 

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave 
O'er the land uf the fnc and the home of the brave. 

Francis Scott Key, 



THE BATTLE-CRY OF FREEDOM. 

Yes, we'll rally 'round the flag, boys, we'll rally once again, 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. 
We will rally from the hillside, we'll gather from the plain, 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom, — 

Chorus : 

The Union forever, hurrah ! boys, hurrah ! 
Down with the traitor, and up with the star. 
While we rally 'round the flag, boys, rally once again, 
Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. 

We are springing to the call of our brothers gone before. 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. 
And we'll fill the vacant ranks with a million freemen more, 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. 

Chorus : 

We will welcome to our numbers the loyal, true and brave. 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom, 
And altho' they may be poor, not a man shall be a slave. 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. 

Chorus: 

So we're springing to the call from the east and from the west. 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. 
And we'll hurl the rebel crew from the land we love the best. 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. 

Chorus: 



THREE HUNDRED TIIOl'SASD MORE 

VV^e are coming, Father Abraham, 

Three hundred thousand more, 
From Mississippi's winding stream 

And from New England's shore; 
We leave our ploughs and workshops, 

Our wives and children dear, 
With hearts too full for utterance, 

With but a silent tear; 
We dare not look behind us. 

But steadfastly before ; 
We are coming, Father Abraham, 

Three hundred thousand more. 



If you look across the hilltops 

That meet the northern sky, 
Long moving linos of rising dust 

Your vision may descry ; 
And now the wind an instant tears 

The cloudy veil aside, 
And floats aloft our spangled flag 

In glory and in pride; 
And bayonets in the sunlight glean 

And bands brave music pour; 
We are coming. Father Abraham, 

Three himdrod thousand more. 



If you look all up our valleys, where 

Tlu' growing hnrv«sts shine. 
You'll see our sturdy farmer boys 

Fast forming into line; 
And chililron from their mother's knees 

Are pulling at the weeds. 
And learning how to reap and sow 

Against their country's needs; 
And a farewell group stands wtvping 

At every cottage door; 
We are coming. Father Abraham, 

Three hundred thousand more. 



You've called us and we're coming, 

By Richmond's bloody tide, 
To lay us down for freedom's sake 

Our brothers' bones beside; 
Or from foul treason's savage grasp 

To wrench the murderous blade. 
And in the face of foreign foes 

Its fragments to parade. 
Six hundred thousand loyal men 

And true have gon*^ before; 
We are coming, Father Abraham, 

Three hundred thousand more. 

We're coming, Father Abraham, 

Strong hearts and ready hands; 
From river, lake, and mountain 

We are mustering our bands. 
From boundless Western prairie to 

The old Atlantic shore. 
We're coming, Father Abraham, 

Three hundred thousand more. 
From boundless Western prairie to 

The old Atlantic shore, 
We are coming, Father Abraham, 

Three hundred thousand more. 



James Sloane Gibbons. 



80 



TESTl.Xli 0.\ rill': OLD (AMI' (iJUJiWlJ 

Wf'rt' tciilinu t.mi^rht on tlu- old ciinip ^touihI, 

Ctive us a song to cheer 
Our wearj' luarts. a j^oii^ of home 

And friends wo love so dear. 



Chorus. 

.Many arc the licarts that are wcnry t<iiiiglit. 
Wishing for the war to eease, 

Many are the hearts that are praying for 
the riglit^ 
To see the dawn of peace. 

Tenting tonight, tenting tonight. 

Tenting on the old camp ground. 

We're tenting t<»niglit on the old camp gmund. 

Thinking of days gone by. 
Of the loved ones at home that gave ns the hand, 

And the tear that said "(lood-hvel" 



Chorus. 

We are tired of war on the old camp ground. 

Many are d<'ad and g(tne 
Of the hrave and true who left their homes, 

Others been wounde<l long. 



Chorus, 

We've been fighting today on the <.ld camp ground, 

Many are lying near; 
Some are dead and some are dying. 

Many are in tears. 



Cn<»RUs, (•t)\ci.i niN(; with 

Dying tonight, dying tonight. 
Dying on the old eanip ground. 



81 



TRAMP, TRAMP, TRAMP, THE BOYS ARE MARCHING 

In the prison pen I sit 

Thinking, mother dear, of you 
And our bright and happy home so far away; 

And the tears they fill my eyes, 

Spite of all that I can do, 
Tho' I try to cheer my comrades, and be gay. 



Chorus. 

Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching on, 
0, cheer up, comrades, they will come; 

And beneath the starry flag. 

We shall breathe the air again, 

Of the freeland in our own beloved home. 

In the battle front we stood 

When their fiercest charge they made, 
And they swept us off a hundred men or more; 

But before we reached their lines 

They were beaten back dismayed, 
And we heard the cry of victory o'er and o'er. 



Chorus. 

So within the prison pen 

We are waiting for the day 
That shall come to open wide the iron door; 

And the hollow eye grows bright. 

And the poor heart almost gay. 
As we think of seeing home and friends once more. 



Chorus. 



■82 



BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC 

Aline eyt'S have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; 
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; 
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword; 
His truth is marching on. 

Chorus. 

Glory! Glory Hallelujah! 
Glory! Glory Hallelujah! 
Glory! Glory Hallelujah! 
His truth is marching on. 

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; 
They have builded him an altar in the evening dews and damps; 
I can read his righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps, 
His day is marching on. 

Chorus. 
His day is marching on. 

I have read a fiery g^ospel, writ in burnished rows of steel; 
As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal; 
Let the hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel ; 
Since God is marching on. 

Chorus. 
Since God is marching on. 

He has sounde<l forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat. 
He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment-seat; 
Oh I be swift, my soul, to answer Him ! \>o jubilant my feet ! 
Our God is marching on. 

Chorus. 
Our God is marching on. 

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was bom across the sea; 
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me; 
As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free; 
While God is marching on. 

Chorus. 
While God is marching on. 

Julia Ward Howe. 



AMERICA 

My country, 'tis of thee, 
Sweet land of liberty. 

Of thee I sing; 
Land where my fathers died. 
Land of the pilgrims pride, 
From every mountain-side 

Let freedom ring. 

My native country, thee. 
Land of the noble free. 

Thy name I love; 
I love thy rocks and rills, 
Thy woods and templed hills ; 
My heart with rapture thrills 

Like that above. 



Let music swell the breeze, 
And ring from all the trees 

Sweet freedom's song; 
Let mortal tongues awake. 
Let all that breathe partake, 
Let rocks their silence break — 

The sound prolong. 

Our fathers' God, to Thee, 
Author of liberty. 

To Thee we sing; 
Long may our land be bright 
With freedom's holy light; 
Protect us by thy might. 

Great God, our King. 

Samuel Francis Smith. 



84 



"DITLCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI" 

Ii).<irnhe(I to the Second New Hampshire Reqimevl 

Bij Thomas Batlei/ Aid rich. 

Published in the New York Tribune, June 21, 1861. 
the (lay the regiment passed through New York on its way to the front. 



The grand old earth shakes at the tread of the Norsemen, 

Who meet, as of old. in defense of the true; 
All hail to the st^rs that are set in their banner! 
All hail to the red, and the white, and the blue! 
As each column wheels by, 
Plear their hearts battlc-cr>-, — 
It was Warrens, — 'Tis street for our country to die! 

Lancaster and Coos, Laconia and Concord, 

Old Portsmouth and Keene send their stalwart .voung men; 
They come from tlie plough, and the loom and the anvil. 
From the marge of the sea, from the hilltop and glen. 
As each column wheels by. 
Hear their hearts battle-cry, — 
It was Warrens, — 'Tis sweet fur our country to die! 

The prayers of fair women, like legions of angels, 
Watch over our soldiers by day and by night; 
And the King of all (ilor>'. the Chief of All Annies, 

Shall love them and lead them who dare to be right ! 
As each column wheels by. 
Hear their hearts battle-cr>'. — 
It was Warrens. — '7'i-s sweet for our country to die! 



86 



LINCOLN'S GETTYSBURG ADDRESS 

November 19, 1863. 



Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent 
a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all 
men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing 
whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long 
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedi- 
cate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave 
their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper 
that we should do this. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot 
consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, 
who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or 
detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but 
it will never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather, to be 
dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus 
far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great 
task remaining before us; — that from these honored dead we take increased 
devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion ; — 
that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that 
this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that govern- 
ment of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the 
earth. 



86 



Program of Exercises on the 
DEDICATION OF A TAHI.KT. 

iiisoribe<l to tlie memory of thoso, born or sometime resident in Nelson, New 

Hampshire, who, as vohuiteers, answered the call to arms for 

the preservation of the Union, 1861-1865; celebrating the 

fiftieth anniversary of the close of the war, 

under the aiispiees of 

THE NELSON PICNIC ASSOCIATION, 

at tlu'ir Thirty-seventh Annual dathering, 

August 18, 1915, 

at 10 A. M. in front of the Town Ilnll, 
in the village of Nelson. 



MUSIC. 

Keenc City Band ^Ir. Edwin E. Bagi.ev, Director. 

Bugle Calls Mr. Frank B. Naramork. 

Incidental Marching Music Xki.son Cadet Fife and Duim Corps. 



Robert H. Green, 
Jul IN F. Priest. 



USHERS. 



Everett Wilder. 



Francis STRrTiiEus. 

(loKDoN F. Tol-MAN. 



Preliminary Concert, 

Keene City Band. 

(a) March, "National Emblem" liagley. 

(6) Grand American Fantasia Arr. liendix. 

(c) "To Thee O Country!" Eichberg. 

(d) National March. "Daughters of America" Lampe. 



2. Bugle Calls Mr. NxRA^roRE. 

(a) "Eeveille", 
(h) "Assembly". 

3 Welcome by Presidhig- Ofik-or. 'Mr. Wn.i.iAAr Wallack Dunn, President of 
Tlie Nelson Picnic Association. 

4. Prayer Ri:v. Wifj.iam 0. Conrad. 

5. Report of the "Memorial Committee By its Chairman. 

G. Unveiling of Tablet. Masters Herman Fisher, Malcolm Green, Floyd 
Keough, Peter Keougit, Newton Tolman, 
and Richard Upton. 

When the unveiling party are gathered in front of the tablet, the bugle call 
"Retreat" will be sounded, followed by the playing of "The Star Spangled 
Banner" by the band. It is requested that at the first note of the National 
Anthem gentlemen remove their hats, and the entire assembly arise and remain 
standing until the conclusion of the music. 

7. Dedication Miss Edith H. Osgood, and Miss Mabel Gibson. 

Miss Osgood: (depositing laurel wreath) 

"Soldiers and saviours of the homes we love; 
Heroes and patriots who marched away, 
And who marched back, and who marched on above, 
All,— All are here today." 

To them ive dedicate this tablet. 

Miss Gibson: 

"They also serve who only stand and wait" — 

To the mothers, wives and children who waited long, 
many of them forever, for the return of those who had 
marched away, — to their memory too we place a wreath. 

8. "War Songs of the Boys in Blue" Laurendeau 

Keene City Band. 

9. Parade of Nelson's future saviours and defenders. 

The school children will form at the school house and march suc- 
cessively to the Soldiers Monument and the Tablet, both of which they 
will decorate; then, drawn up in front of the latter they will salute the 
flag and join in this pledge : 

"I pledge allegiance to my flag, and to the Republic 
for which it stands. One Nation indivisible, 
with Liberty and Justice for all." 

8a 



Captain— KuFi;s Prikst, 

Standard lioarer — Alvin Dams, 

Flower Maidens — ^fAHtoN Bassktt and Emma Browk, 

Musicians — Morton Bah.ky, Francis Toi.man, Nkil Toi.man and 

RODOER TOLMAN. 

^rasters, Clinton BuiixiK; Ernhxt Buiimjk; Hkrman Fishkr; Harold 
Flood; R\i-ph Gibson; Maholm (Jrken; IIalimi Orken; Maurice 
(JriLLow; Lester Hii-l; Albert Jackson; Floyd Keoioh; Peter 
Keoicii; P^DWAKi) MuRiM)riiii; Ralimi Paoe; TIibert Pru^t; James 
Priest; Theoik)Re Prif^t; Cecil Kyerson; Frederick Smith; Newton 
Tolxian; Rk hard FpTfiN; (Jeoroe Van Brecklin; Jamf^s Van Brkck- 
lin and Leslie Wilber. 

Misses, Helen Bro\vn; Liijjan Flood; Mabel Oibson; Aones Guil- 
u')w; Christine Giillow; Ethelwyn Glillow ; Irene GriLLow; Jean- 
ette Law; Gladys Manley; ^NfARCARiTE Manley; Edith Nordstrom; 
Mabel Osgood; Arlf^se Keoicii; Birnre IvEoiciii; Gladys Keolgh; 
^fARCARiTE Page; Helen Prijxt; Mary Priest; Doris Story; Doris 
Tolman; Helen Tolman; Esther Towne; (irace Towne; Katherine 
Upton; Einice Van Brecklin; Mar.idrie Van Brecklin; Myra Van 
Brecklin and Susan Van Brecklin. 

10. Presentation of Veterans Chairman of Memorial Committee. 

H. Response, "llie Town of Nelson" Hon. Thaddels W. Barker. 

12. Song, ''Tramp, Tramp, Tramj), « Titmn f>, the Boys are Marching on" 

(Words on page S2.) Mr. Charles P. Fisher. 

The assembly is requested to join in the chorus. Mr. Fisher's father, 
Sumner P. Fisher, wa.s a prisoner at Belle Isle. 

13. Response, "Our Surviving Veterans'' Mr. Daniel O. Beverstock, 

late Sergeant Beverstock, Eighteenth N. H. Infantrj-. 

U. Song. "The Battle Hymn <.f the Kepiil.lic" Mr. William W. Nye. 

Mr. Nye is a nephew of Charles H. Nye, Sergeant in Berdan's Sharp- 
shooters, whose name is on the taltlct. 

15. Response, "New Hampshire Volunteers" General Joab N. Patterson. 

(General Patterson, a graduate of DartmoiJth Colh-ge, Class of ISGO, 
eidisti^l May 11. ISGl. in the Second New Hampshire Infantr>'. He 
he<-anje first Lieutenant, June 4, 1861. and thereafter, as an officer, 
participated in every engagement of the Regiment throughout ita 
historj*. At (lettysburg he was seriously wounded. He was pro- 
moted through various grades an«l on January 10, 1805, became 
Colonel, and dating from March l.'l, 1HG5, Brevet Brigadier General, 
"for courage in battle and good conduct throughout the war." 



16. Description — "Cavalry Charge" Luders. 

Keene City Band. 

17. Poem, ''Our Patriots" Rev. Millard F. Hardy. 

l.S Song, "Hurrah for Old New Hampshire!'' Chatnherlain. 

Mr. William W. Nye. 

19. Exhibition of the "Posterity Box". 

In the wall of the building, behind the Tablet, a recess has been 
constructed in which, eventually, it is intended to place a sealed copper 
box, containing the records of Nelson soldiers, full particulars as to 
these dedication exercises, and such other documents, photographs, etc., 
as may be contributed, designed to show to posterity the nature of 
Nelson and her inhabitants in the year 1915. 

20. Address, "The Message of America to the World Today". 

Rev. George L. Cady, D.D. 

Of the one hundred and twenty-four, whose names are on the 
Tablet, over one hundred are known to have "marched on", 

"On Fame's eternal camping-ground. 
Their silent tents are spread. 
And Glory guards, with solemn round, 
The bivouac of the dead." 

While, to their peaceful repose, the bugler plays "Taps", gentlemen 
will please uncover, and the entire assembly stand, remaining standing 
till the band strikes up America. 

This concludes the dedication exercises. 

21. "Taps" Mr. Naramore. 

22. "America" (Words on page 84) By the Entire Assembly. 



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MG POST JOB PRINTlMG OFFICE 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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